Proverbs 2:6-9
“For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. 7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. 8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. 9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.”
Verse six seems to be the continuation of the thought started in the first five verses.
Solomon is saying “if you listen to me and seek the wisdom of God, you will find treasure – treasure that is found in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. But the crucial connection is “incline thine ear unto wisdom, [and] apply thine heart to understanding.”
Listening
One of the hardest things for a child to do is listen to the widom of an elder. If you are a parent, or play one on T.V., then you know that teenagers are the worst offenders. Believe it or not, teens know everything. They have no desire to listen to instruction, especially if if goes against the grain of their vast experience.
But Solomon wants his son to understand that in order to grow in wisdom and understanding, especially without having to suffer needlessly, he needs to listen. And if he will listen to the Lord, wisdom and understanding will come from “out of his mouth.”
Access Granted
The Hebrew word that is translated in verse 7 as “layeth up” is tsaphan (Strong’s H6845).The idea is of something that is hidden, secret, inaccessible, and guarded. This means that true wisdom from God is not accessable by worldy or fleshly means. It can’t be mined or extracted from the soil of life. It hast to be heard.
An attentive, listening ear is all that is required to gain access to the secret treasures of the Almighty. They can’t be bought. They can’t be bargained for. They come at the expense of time and humilty.
Next Level
Much like the video games children (and too many adults with nothing better to do) play, where each level unlocked provides tools to succeed on the journey to the next, the storehouse of God’s wisdom provides what we need for the journey ahead.
Notice how that when accessed, God provides three things: a buckler (shield), divine protection, and understanding. He watches over our paths and gives us invaluable insight into the working of life. But He also give us a “buckler,” a shield, a piece of armour.
What most young people, and adults, fail to realize is that danger lurks aroung the corner. And no matter how straight God makes our path, He still wants us to bear a shield. His wisdom is a strong defense against the arrows and spears of the enemy.
The Buckler
Interestingly, though, the KJV translators used the the word buckler instead of shield. Why? Maybe it’s because a buckler is more than just a static, defensive piece of armor. A buckler was also a weapon. Bucklers were smaller shields which could be used not only to deflect the enemies blows, but could also be used as a “steel fist.”
Never forget that the same shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16) which can “quench the firey darts of the wicked” can also be used to fight back. The tools God gives those who listen to Him will not only protect us, but will enable us to advance.
(originally published 4/09/12)
April 10th, 2012 at 12:56 am
First confession: I have been reading a chapter of Proverbs almost every day for the past five years this month.
Second confession: I learned something today. I liked it.
April 10th, 2012 at 3:08 pm
[…] Proverbs 2:6-9 (proverbialthought.com) […]
December 2nd, 2012 at 12:09 am
I am not an adult, but I am just wondering what is wrong with adults playing video games? How is this any different from watching a football game or some show on television? It’s just another form of relaxation, and just because it is new does not mean it is bad.
December 2nd, 2012 at 7:29 am
I don’t believe I ever said that playing video games are wrong, regardless the age. I have a few myself. And you are correct, they are little different from watching TV for entertainment.
I used the example of video games as an illustration for moving into the next levels of life. The example I used was a positive one. However, just as with TV, too much of any entertainment can turn into a negative influence. We must learn to be wise and exercise a little self-control with these things.
Thanks for stopping by, though. And thanks for giving me the opportunity to clear that up.
February 26th, 2014 at 9:28 am
[…] A while back, when studying Proverbs, I came across a word in verse 7 of chapter 2. The word was “buckler.” Below is what I wrote in a post for Proverbial Thought… […]