Ignorance seems blissful until you receive the bill incurred from the lack of knowledge, then you wonder, “How come I didn’t see this coming?”.
In Proverbs 1:1-7 Solomon gives a profound introduction to wisdom. He says,
“These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel.
Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young.
Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”
Solomon said “the purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives.” That line came straight out of the bible. The purpose of proverbs is to teach us to live disciplined and successful lives. That is sexy! And remember the fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge. From knowledge comes wisdom and understanding and from that wisdom and understanding comes a disciplined and successful life. This is a life of function.
Then Solomon says in Proverbs 3:13-18,
“Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.”
Wisdom is more profitable, pays better and is more precious than silver, gold or rubies. Yet inside wisdom is riches and honor as well as it offers long life, acts as a guide down delightful paths, and is satisfying in all her ways. Wisdom is all about function. Function comes from knowledge and depth of insight of why a created thing exists and how to properly use it. Wisdom is the proper use of knowledge and understanding. Wisdom reveals the necessity for discipline and success. Discipline and success based on the true knowledge of God and his will, creates a life worthy of the calling we have received.