Finding True Treasure - A Study of the Book of Proverbs (Chapter 2)

The end of Proverbs 1 has some pretty stern warnings; however, in Chapter 2 the writer begins to share some of the promises we will receieve if we will only – fear God, listen to instruction, and obey.

My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commandments within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift your voice for understanding. If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures, (Proverbs 2: 1 – 4 NKJV)

Notice that these scriptures are conditional. The word IF is used 3 – times to describe action. And notice what action the If’s are describing – receiving, treasuring, hearing, applying, and searching for understanding as if it’s a rare and priceless treasure.

The Message Bible likens it to a treasure hunt. Someone who thinks they have a map showing the way to buried treasure can not be stopped. They go to any lengths to find the treasure. Proverbs is our treasure map, and wisdom is the treasure we need to be searching for.

Verses 5 - 9 continue to explain what rewards are available to those who apply the instructions of the previous verses.

For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth (the Word of God) comes knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice, and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. (Proverbs 2: 5-9 NKJV)

God will not only give wisdom, knowledge and understanding, but protection from outside forces that wish to do us harm. Evil lurks in the world and wants to destroy the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding that God shares with His people because His wisdom is power. Verses 10-19 reveals this secret and gives a clear picture of what we are protected from, if we walk upright and keep seeking after godly wisdom.

The Message Bible sums it up in a way that is easy to understand. We are encouraged to focus on the things in life that are true and fair. It's easy to spot if we are always seeking the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

If we stay on the path that leads to truth and righteous living, wisdom will keep us from making the wrong turn or following bad directions. Keep an eye out for godly signs ahead, and don't follow after those who are already lost. The path they are traveling on will only lead to a dead end just like their lives, and they will be lost forever.

But if we stay on the right path, keep going even when the going gets tough, we will arrive at our destination. A life filled with over flowing blessings.

For the upright will dwell in the land, and the blameless will remain in it; But the wicked will be cut off from the earth, and the unfaithful will be uprooted from it. (Proverbs 2: 21-22 NKJV)

The land that is described here, is a life filled with blessings; it is not a location but a state of being. Clearly, the wicked and unfaithful will not experience a blessed life, but those who walk and seek a godly life will remain blessed.