“선한 일을 위하여 지으심을 받은 자니”(엡 2:10)

Steps to Wisdom (6)

Proverbs 2:6-12

Pleasant to Your Soul

We have many joys in life, but today’s passage from Proverbs tells us that the joy we experience in seeking wisdom is great. What is this joy?

The Joy of Understanding the World When We Seek Wisdom

There are two kinds of revelation God has given us to know Him: general revelation and special revelation. General revelation shows us God’s existence and power through the world He created. However, for our salvation, we need special revelation. This is Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. After receiving salvation through special revelation, we can better understand and appreciate God's creation—the realm of general revelation. Those saved will come to a deeper understanding of God’s wisdom and love as they observe the world He created. For example, through creatures like the ants in Proverbs 6:6-9 and the dog in Proverbs 26:11, we are taught about diligence, caution against foolishness, and wisdom in making the right choices. These created beings remind us that our world is full of God’s touch, and they teach us how to understand the world better and live wisely within it.

The Joy of Understanding People When We Seek Wisdom

Proverbs 13:7 and 14:13 tell us that what we see on the surface of people is not the whole story; we must look deeper. Wisdom brings the joy of understanding the people we meet. It also brings the joy of awakening in human relationships. Proverbs 26:4-5 offers more than simple commands; it encourages wise choices according to the situation. If we react hastily to a foolish person’s words, we might become just as foolish. So, we are advised to remain silent when needed but to respond when it’s time to correct the foolish person. God’s wisdom, therefore, gives us the joy of responding wisely according to our circumstances.

The Joy of Understanding Life When We Seek Wisdom

The passages in Proverbs 26:13-14, 16, 20:29, and 30:7-9 about laziness, aging, and the blessings of moderation show that through wisdom, we can understand various aspects of life—such as diligence, the grace of age, and a balanced life. Through these insights, we can experience the joy of understanding life more fully.

1.With wisdom comes the joy of discovery

Proverbs leads us to live more humanely through the joy of discovery. Wisdom helps us understand the world God created, and helps us better understand others and ourselves. It also draws us away from sin and allows us to experience the joy of being restored to God's image. Proverbs mainly teaches in the third person but encourages us to internalize the words and naturally put them into practice. May we all live in a way that seeks the joy of discovery.

Discussion Questions:

• Have you experienced the joy of discovering the wisdom God gives? If so, share your experiences of understanding the world, people, or life.
• What verse from today’s Proverbs sermon resonates with you the most?
• If you’ve ever resolved a relationship issue with the wisdom from scripture, share your experience.

Application: Let’s think about the people we will meet this week. Before judging their appearance or actions, let’s pause for a moment and try to look deeper into their hearts. To do this, we need to take off the world’s glasses and put on the lenses of wisdom that God provides. Through these lenses, let’s see everyone as created in God's image and truly honor them. At times, let’s share God’s love through warm silence, and at other times, through words of encouragement.