“To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion— A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
(Proverbs 1:2–7, NKJV)
Just as we noted in the previous study the ability to perceive is a foundational quality which precedes the attainment of Wisdom and Knowledge. The very next key phrase in the study directly states this.
To perceive the words of understanding, is meant to inform the reader of the intent and purpose of Wisdom and Knowledge. The origin of both the perceiver and the perceived are communicated using the Hebrew for “word” which is the opinion of God expressed in a form understandable to the recipient. Of course opinion tied to God is not controvertible, and some may even dislike the idea of saying God has an opinion- in point of fact only Gods opinion matters. The word can easily be said to mean, say, saying, say to oneself (think) intend, command, promise. A review of amar in the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament will assist readers to better understand how this word it used.
Adam is our case study for the transmission of perception, relational thinking, and comprehension at all levels. Because words is give by God to humanity, it is related closely to revelation, as is the creation itself and all things in it. The righteous application of the ability to perceive is communicated in terms of Wisdom and Knowledge. The related terms, perceive, words and understanding are bound together intimately as they flow from the creator into creation. Ultimately the only correct usage in terms of righteousness come to us from God’s Words.
It was in this way ADAM understood the LORD in the garden, as well as his demonstrated ability to comprehend, name, and collectively grasp the relationship of himself to the creation and his fellow creatures.
As Christians we view the WORD of God as revelation, and use the instruction found in the WORD to direct and practice our lives day by day.
In the next section we will discuss, to know, to perceive and to receive as they relate to wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity.
Blessings!
