Proverbs 4:7
In all that you collect, collect understanding above all else.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”
Proverbs 4:7
This is a proverb of Solomon, the son of David. He was king of Israel, and God gave him wisdom unlike anyone had ever seen.
“Wisdom is the principal thing;”
Wisdom is the most important thing someone can have. In Hebrew, we read the word רֵאשִׁ֣ית [re’shiyth], which means ‘the first’, as in place, time, order or rank. This verse can also be translated as: “The beginning of wisdom [is]: Acquire wisdom;” To gain wisdom is a very important theme in Proverbs. The writers acknowledge that the fear of the Lord is the foundation of this wisdom, and that knowledge is given by God. This is why it is the most important thing.
- Proverbs 1:7: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
- Proverbs 2:6: “For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;”
“Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”
Solomon tells us to get wisdom. The Hebrew word can also be translated as ‘buy’. Buy wisdom. Even if it will cost you a lot to acquire it, it is still important to seek it. In all that you collect, collect understanding above all else.
- Proverbs 23:23: “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”
Today’s lesson: Wisdom is the most important thing someone can have. Wisdom helps you in your daily life. Yearn for wisdom above anything else. God wants to give you wisdom. He wants to give us His wisdom.