# 425 The Proverbs – ‘A manual for living’ (MSG). Proverbs 9 (# 2). The “key” that opens the door.

In between our two contrasting “women” (wisdom in vv.1-6 and folly in vv. 13-18) there are 6 verses which contain the “key” to becoming a wise person and following the ways of wisdom and gaining life in all its fulness. This being in contrast to being a fool and following the ways of folly leading ultimately to death.

And this key is found in verse 10 which says:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (9:10)

This verse stands with Proverbs 1:7 as bookends holding this section of Proverbs (chapters 1-9) together. It says:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (1:7)

Kellers says: “Every person’s wisdom – way of interpreting the meaning of things – begins with one’s view of God.” (# 51)

[For a reminder as to the meaning of the phrase “the fear of the Lord” see my Post # 402 Proverbs 1:1-7 Key words: the fear of the Lord]

Keller continues that in verse 10 “Proverbs adds that the one we fear is the Holy One. [He adds] There is no more threatening divine attribute.” (# 51)

So, what does it mean that our God is holy?

Jerry Bridges in his book, The Joy of Fearing God (Monarch Books 1999), describes this attribute of God in his chapter titled “Transcendent Majesty – the Holiness of God.” He speaks of it as “the preeminent perfection of God… [quoting Edward J Young on its use in Isaiah 6:3 he says it] ‘signifies the entirety of the divine perfection which separates God from his creation’… [Bridges continues that] The Hebrew word for holy is qadash, which generally means ‘cut off’ or ‘separate.’ When used of God, the word expresses the idea of separateness or ‘otherness.’ God is wholly ‘other’ from all his creation, from angels, from men, and especially from sinful man. He is absolutely distinct from all creatures and is infinitely exalted above them in incomprehensible glory and majesty… WA Pink describes God as ’solitary in his majesty, unique in his excellency, peerless in his perfection’… [Bridges continues] God is infinitely holy in his moral purity. ‘God is light,’ Scripture declares; ‘in him is no darkness at all’… The only appropriate expression for God is infinitely pure.” (# 56)

So, the only way to learn wisdom is to fear (stand in absolute awe of) the Lord, the Holy One. Bridges concludes that “progress in personal holiness must be built upon an ever-deepening awareness of God’s holiness.” (# 56)

Following this chapter comes wise words in the form of single sentence proverbs, and mentioned here (vv. 7-9) are more wise words concerning “the ways in which a wise and foolish person receive instruction. In sum, the fool hates and abuses the teacher; the wise man loves the teacher and learns wisdom.” (# 55) Read and learn.

1. The “Fool’s’ way:

⁷ Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
    whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
⁸ Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;

Have you met people like this? The more positive input or advice you give, even in love, the less they seem to want to listen. Your words seem to fall on deaf ears, and sometimes what you intended for their good and the enhancement of their life causes further dissension and abuse. They may even hate you! If they happen to be a loved-one, this situation can be heart-breaking.

• The wise person’s way:

 rebuke the wise and they will love you.                                                                                  ⁹ Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
    teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

What a pleasure to meet such people in life. “Wisdom observes the principle of human nature that shows us to be either enslaved or liberated. There is no standing still; we progress or regress according to our choice. Wisdom accumulates wisdom (see Matthew 13:10-15).” (# 53) And having received your instruction, they even love you!

And so, all is summed up in the words:

¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
¹¹ For through wisdom your days will be many,
    and years will be added to your life.
¹² If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
    if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.

“We are now warned and prepared to receive the instructions to come in the individual proverbs. The warnings have been sober, but the promises of life along wisdom’s path are overflowing with blessings.” (# 55)

²⁴ To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— ²⁵ to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 24-25)