Author: Denis Gibson

In spite of all the rhetoric, there is still little neighbourliness in this sin-cursed world, but, tragically, lots of hatred and division. This touches a sensitive but practical nerve. How should a believer act toward a neighbour, and who is that neighbour? This is the proclamation of the Good Samaritan parable, which is still timely for us (Jas. 2:14-17). Note how the verses 27-31 all begin Do not (Heb.)!

Dean Plumptre (Speaker’s Comm.) points out that Wisdom, confers both strength and beauty (v.22); preserves in action and in repose (vs.23, 24); and is equal to every emergency of life (vs.25, 26). My son, hold fast then these principles.

William Arnot observed, “An appalling amount of hypocrisy exists in Christendom, and passes current for devotion.” Bunyan painted a similarly sad picture in his day. When the sailing is smooth, By-ends and his kinsfolk of the town of Fair Speech will not suffer Christian to “impose or lord it over [their] faith,” but Christian replied, “You must go against wind and tide; you must own Religion in his rags, as well as when in his silver slippers.” Many are like By-ends great-grandfather, who was a “waterman, looking one way and rowing another!”

Solomon boldly affirms that God is the Creator, and ‘He’s got the whole world in His hands’ (Gen. 1:1, Col. 1:9-17). Also we have a foreview of the Gospel. Sin blinds man from seeing that “that which moves God to work is Goodness; that which orders his work is Wisdom; that which perfects his work is Power” (Hooker). The Bible repudiates two theories commonly held to explain the origin of everything, namely, that the world is eternal, or that everything evolved by chance plus time. Since Wisdom was God’s Agent in creation (8:22-31), how much more does man need this Wisdom to occupy and subdue the earth as God’s Covenant-keeper!

Wisdom results in eternal happiness (1-10), but if you suffer trials in its pursuit, don’t be discouraged (11-12). It will be worth it all (13-18). Verse 13 begins with Happy and 18 ends with Happy (Heb.). It is Wisdom in its highest sense that is in view here. As we have seen, this Wisdom is embodied in Christ. Like treasure, it is to be found, not fashioned by us. It is all of God. He does it all, and it is all done! We cannot save ourselves, but we must seek the salvation already provided. Seek and ye shall find God’s precious, permanent peace!

The verses 11-12 close this section, and also give a helpful correction to the notion that godliness brings automatic prosperity and perpetual happiness. It also provides a partial answer to the perplexing question as to why saints suffer. It is often God’s discipline at work. God’s saints need it while living in this sinful world. It is an action by which God brings repentance and renewed obedience. How we react is crucial. Some complain and others faint. The trial affects one too little and the other too much. Treat such trials as testings. It is thus our true self is revealed. “We must not be stocks, and stones, and stoics, under our afflictions, insensible of them, hardening ourselves under them” (M. Henry).

These verses (9-10) deal with the unpopular subject of giving, a topic too often exploited. Some horde money; some squander it; some use it selfishly; some will kill for it. Love of power and love of money are both great corrupters, so don’t emphasise verse 10 and forget verse 9. This is a matter that has been misunderstood by many in the past and misapplied by others in the present. The order is, first honour God in all your dealings, especially your finances, and so, you will have His blessing (Acts 20:35).

The Bible reminds us that we are in God’s hands, that in Him alone we live and move and have our being. We cannot escape His gaze or His grasp.

To acknowledge God (v.6) means simply knowing (so Hebrew) Him, always living in His presence, enjoying daily fellowship with Him. Such a knowledge leads to true blessedness (Ps. 9:10; Phil. 3:10). Here once again there are two different words for way (road) and path (rut). They are sometimes synonymous, but the second word is from a root meaning to wander, suggesting by-paths. It is not only wise but also necessary to consult a road map while travelling in unknown lands. If you do, the less likely you are to lose your way. Thus, the more you acknowledge (know) the Lord, the more you will be preserved from going astray into dangerous by-paths.

To receive mercy and truth into the heart will prove good seed bringing forth bountiful harvests. We look today at the next couplet (v.5-6). These verses were often among the very first to be memorised. Why? They represent the “polar-star” for every new convert beginning the spiritual journey. Is it not because they anticipate the Gospel? How grandly they potray what faith means? Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1). Faith is trust, but trust in What or Whom?