Growing in Knowledge Process of Proverbs 2:1-5

1) “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;

2) So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;

3) Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;

4) If thou seekest her as silver, and search-est for her as for hid treasures;

5) Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.

This issue of Just A Minute will address ‘Processes’ and examine four different examples in the Bible. A process contains steps breaking down the ’how to’ in understanding and practically living sound teaching. Processes can be found through Scripture. As you read, consider passages that contain lists of instructions. Look at the process in Proverbs 2:1-5, which helps a student attain the goal to “understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” It was the first process observed by this writer. Though Proverbs was written to Israel, it encourages and progresses a student to mature in wisdom, a quality that is needed in all dispensations. Read the passage to evaluate where you are in the process: 

Verse 1: The verse begins with a conditional sowing and reaping statement. “If” readers progress as described, the outcome will be that they attain the goal listed in verse 5. In this first step, a saint shows up to primarily listen i.e. a Bible service or study. He “receives my words” and “hides” them within. (Actions are largely passive, yet the saint stays open.)

Verse 2:  In step two, the believer advances to actively “incline” his ear; purposing to hear wisdom and “apply” his heart to understand. (He is now personally involved/engaged.)

Verse 3: Step three shows a man who yearns for or “criest after” knowledge, and begins to pray and “liftest up” his voice to understand. (The saint is actively invested, praying.)

Verse 4: In this fourth step a saint develops an inner drive: “seekest” and “searchest for” “treasures” in the Word. (It’s similar to man’s tenacious attitude in the 1800’s Gold Rush.)

Verse 5: By faith, the reader progresses to this last stage, driven to explore the Scriptures for the golden nuggets of Truth. The helping word “then” is used, indicating the student has attained the goal. “Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” Progressing, he reaps this glorious goal laid forth by this process.

Think on this: Where are you in this learning process? Are you progressing or stuck in a stage? Knowing where you are can help you know how to pray and then, move forward.