Embracing Wisdom

Continuation of: Seeking Wisdom
—A Journey Through Proverbs.

Before we continue our journey my fellow sojourners, I would like to mention that I have several Bibles at this point. Each one carries its own beauty and purpose.

With that said, I will likely often reference my 2015 Tree of Life Version (TLV) Bible; however, they only permit so much of their translation to be quoted at one time - not sure about the others... I'll have to look into that for each.

Beyond Wisdom and Humility

Our next portion starts where we left off, Proverbs 1:7.

In my Tree of Life Version Bible it is a small section. Only three verses (7-9).
It might be short and sweet, but it dives straight to the heart so that we encounter something vital and powerful.

*To save my TLV quotations, as well as to broaden our perspective, I’d like to reference my (1994) NIV Study Bible for Kids: The Adventure Bible.

"The Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Listen, my son, to your father's instruction
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.
They will be a garland to grace your head
and a chain to adorn your neck."

As briefly mentioned previously, the word fear is much more complex than mere English allows. It comes from the Hebrew word yirah (יִרְאָה).

To give us an idea, think of a role-model you admire. Someone you respect, are in amazement of, perhaps would tremble - from fear and/or joy - in their presence.

Take that profound love, reverence, and admiration you feel for that person and magnify it a thousandfold; then add the majesty, glory, and awe of God, and we begin to get an idea of what this word truly means.

For those who want more of a 'standard' definition, a quick Google search reveals that yirah means "a deep, awe-filled reverence, profound respect, and wonder. It describes a heart struck by God's majesty and authority, which naturally leads to loving obedience and wisdom."

Essentially what I believe this scripture is revealing to the reader is that humility before Adonai is not weakness, but the very beginning of our educational journey through this existence.

Knowledge and wisdom do not begin with intelligence alone, but with humility, reverence for the Almighty, and a willingness to follow God’s instruction — hopefully has been exemplified and passed on through the living practice and teachings of our parents.

Clothed in Brilliance

The next verses ask us to trust in and respect the experiences parents hopefully pass on to their children. That they teach and practice the same love and reverence for God as what we ideally seek ourselves.

That insight, understanding, and true wisdom are gained through the important factor of not being the fool who despises discipline, but embracing and growing into who God wants us to become.

To shine His Light and Love into the world He created. To learn and grow from, through, and because of the hardships and challenges we face in this life.

That should we pursue the guidance to live a faithful life, there is a promise that the wisdom we gain from following in God's instruction will be just as (if not more) beautiful, valuable, and distinguishing as any fine piece of jewelry.

That following in wise teaching and instruction, we will have God's grace surrounding us as if we wore it for all to see and admire.

I believe these few short verses of scripture ask us to understand that we are not the center of all things. That we are limited—while God, who is all knowing and powerful, is not.

It is also so very interesting to me how often in the Bible it speaks to the nature of being clothed in the beauty of God, and how one will shine brightly because of their faithfulness in Adonai.

But why stop there? - Avoiding Evil Advances.

Wisdom is not only something we seek inwardly—it also shapes the company we keep, the paths we walk, the voices we listen to, and how our choices impact the world.

Almost immediately, Proverbs shifts from reverence and instruction into warning.

While TLV titles Proverbs 1:7-9 as "The Wisdom of Parents", I actually prefer the NIV (New International Version). Not only is there a difference in the title, but what is included in this portion/section as well.

To lead us even further in our journey though, I chose to utilize my newly acquired (2016) The Complete Jewish Study Bible (CJSB).

In this version there is no title given like in the TLV or NIV; however, the NIV title Exhortations to Embrace Wisdom: Warning Against Enticement feels not just appropriate but also foretelling.

Proverbs 1:10-19:
"My son, if sinners entice you,
don't go along with them.
Suppose they say, "come with us:
we'll ambush somebody and kill him,
we'll waylay some harmless soul, just for fun;
we'll swallow him alive, like Sh'ol,
whole, like those who descend to the pit;
we'll find everything he has of value,
we'll fill our homes with loot!
Throw in your lot with us;
we'll share a common purse" —
my son, don't go along with them,
don't set foot on their path;
their feet run to evil,
they rush to shed blood.
For in vain is the net baited
if any bird can see it;
rather, they are ambushing themselves
to shed their own blood, waylaying themselves.
So are the ways of all greedy for gain—
it takes the lives of those who get it."

While it might not seem this needs additional interpretation, let's break it down anyway - you know "just for fun" as said in the above passage.

Personally, I do not understand the appeal of such evil ways; however, there are at least some - if not many perhaps - who are attracted to such ways.

Then there are those who, perhaps do not know any different or better. Sometimes people are tempted not because they love evil—but because they fear rejection, isolation, standing apart from the crowd, or mere survival.

Then there are those of us who are more easily influenced by others and could be tempted into such treachery while not fully understanding what, or who, we are getting involved.

Regardless of one's reasoning and/or "innocence" this passage warns against proximity to evil.

This passage strikes me as not only about the evil ways and deeds to watch out for and a warning against relationships with such people, but also about the natural consequences and self-destructive nature evil choices bring.

However, I feel I should note that we might not see, hear, feel the effects of such choices in the immediate aftermath. This passage merely states they will reap what they sow. It mentions nothing about how or when that will happen - or that it will even be in this life.

Reflecting on The Yirah of God

Before we close out this section, I'd like to revisit an important factor to better connect to and with the scriptures, and that is the depth of meaning in the language, history, etc., and culture of the Hebrew people.

Personally, I have tried through my entire life to find not only time to read and study my Bible, but also glean more than just a base-line understanding.

As many people, I had much on my plate throughout my life and finding time to read let alone understand the many nuances of the scriptures felt overwhelming - even impossible.

With the gift of life experiences and answer to prayers for clarity, guidance, and understanding, I find myself naturally gaining insight I could never have imagined in my earlier life. As well as teachers. For all that I am eternally grateful.

I'm not saying I am capable of teaching, or that I should.
I am still VERY MUCH learning!

I am merely sharing what I am studying, learning, reflecting upon, and gaining because of the Hebrew context. It is providing me with deeper understanding of and connection to the scriptures, my Heavenly Father, Lord and Savior, and Holy Spirit (Ruach Ha Kodesh).

Growing up, I have always enjoyed the many aspects of Mother Nature because I felt God in all things. There was a sense of feeling Him around me and with me in the wind, rain, sun, trees, etc., as well as in the silence and storms of life. In the happy moments and the scary ones also.

That feeling, of God being with me and in all things, has only grown stronger. My love, admiration, and appreciation have only deepened. I am truly in awe of creation and the One who created it, as well as His faithful and abiding love for me.

I believe the Yirah inside my soul was always strong and that should we choose to seek Him, we can develop it further. It takes practice—not perfection.

A surrendering to be transformed. To be receptive. To seek and find.

Like wisdom itself, perhaps yirah deepens through continued relationship—
an intentional and purposeful seeking to become more aware of Him in any and all things.