Proverbs 8:17 Those That Seek Me Early Shall Find Me
Proverbs 8:17 (KJV) I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.
“The early bird catches the worm” is nature’s observation of provision received because the action was carried out before the usual or expected time. There was an effort made driven by an inward desire to be satisfied.
There was no delay but a hasting to seek God in Christ is the sense here. To such a one God loves and He commends and commands His blessings. The verb “seek” speaks intensely of looking early and diligently for God.
It can be observed that before a man comes to God, he hates the law of God and his whole soul, as it were, rises up against it for the carnal mind is enmity against God and not subject to the law of God (Romans 8:7).
But a born-again believer has a thirst and hunger after righteousness (Matthew 5:6). It is that insatiable appetite to be nourished with God’s Word and cherishes every available moment of communion with God.
Geneva Bible note says of this verse “study the word of God diligently, and with a desire to profit.”
Our Lord Jesus says in John 14:21 (KJV) He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
The diligent study and imbibing of God’s Word that leads to obedience find God’s blessings.
The Apostle Paul observed well this process of spiritual growth and blessings highlighted in bold in Romans 5:1-5 (KJV) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. Romans 5:11 (KJV) And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Peace with God, the availing of God’s grace evoked by faith to seek God, brings rejoicing and hope to the heart to see God working in our lives. When tribulations come, the fruit of patience is borne because we cling to Christ all the more and thus experiencing His help. This gives us assurance and confidence to trust God more and thus we seek Him even earlier experiencing God’s love through the Holy Spirit that indwells us. There is a sense of joy in God that Christ imparts to the seeker.
May the Lord bless each new day with invigorated spirit to seek Him early and finding satisfaction and delight in Him. Amen.