Proverbs 2:9

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight:

Proverbs 2:9 (NIV)

Then you will understand what is right and just and fair —every good path

Proverbs 2:9 (ESV)

Then you will understand righteousness and justice

and equity, every good path;

In this proverb the second line simply clarifies the first line. The “then” in the first line is referring to what was said prior to this first. You can read it on your own in 2:5 ...

Proverbs 2:5 (ESV)

then you will understand the fear of the LORD

and find the knowledge of God.

... but what it says is that if we seek wisdom (the Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom) “then” the rest follows; the “rest” is the fruit from following wisdom. Seeking wisdom will produce several things in our lives, but at the top of the list is that we will understand what is “right” and “just” and “fair” - “every good path.” People who seek Godly wisdom are given it. It is that simple. Knowing the right and just and fair thing of life is essential for us to honor God with our lives. God promises to give it to us if we seek it. We seek it by searching His word as we would search for hidden treasure. We seek it by desiring like we desire silver and gold. We are to store it up like we store up valuable treasures. Seek wisdom and we will have it and we will know the right, just, and fair thing to do.

Perhaps the question we ask ourselves more than any other is, "What should I do?'   We might ask that question when we are considering a job.  We might employ it when we are contemplating dating someone or marriage?  We often make use of it when we find ourselves low on cash and covered in debt.   We might ask it when our pace is furious and we are looking for a way to slow down.  In the second chapter of Proverbs, Solomon is just beginning the education of his reader to the value of Wisdom.   After reading all thirty-one chapters the student (often referred to as "his son" in certain chapters) will have a good grasp of the difference between folly and wisdom.   In the above proverb Solomon attempts to provide a tool to the one asking, "What should I do?"    Discernment (the ability to decide between two or more choices) is provided via wisdom.  Solomon plainly tells us that when we pursue the Fear of The Lord (the beginning of Wisdom) we will be able to answer our big question by "discerning" what is righteous, just, equitable and good in regard to the course we take.   God wants us to pursue Him.   That is the mandate.  However, He doesn't leave us groping in the night to find Him or the way He wants us to walk.   He gives us discernment when He gives us wisdom.   And, when we pursue wisdom He will give it to us.   So, if you have ever asked what you should do, the ability to discover the right, just, equitable and good answer is found in the wisdom God gives us.