The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7
“And now, my children, I command you that you fear our Lord with your whole heart, and walk in simplicity according to all His law. And do ye also teach your children learning, that they may have understanding in all their life, reading unceasingly the law of God; for every one who shall know the law of God shall be honoured, and shall not be a stranger wheresoever he goes. Yea, many friends shall he gain more than his forefathers; and many men shall desire to serve him, and to hear the law from his mouth.
Work righteousness, my children, upon the earth, that you may find treasure in the heavens, and sow good things in your souls, that you may find them in your life. For if you sow evil things, you shall reap all trouble and affliction.
Get wisdom in the fear of God with diligence; for though there shall be a leading into captivity, and cities be destroyed, and lands and gold and silver and every possession shall perish, the wisdom of the wise none can take away, save the blindness of ungodliness and the palsy of sin: for even among his enemies shall it be to him glorious, and in a strange country a home, and in the midst of foes shall it be found a friend. If a man teach these things and do them, he shall be enthroned with kings, as was also Joseph our brother.”
Testament of Levi, Concerning the Priesthood and Arrogance 3.13 (second century BC).
This apocalyptic Jewish text would have been among the literature that shaped the thinking of early church Jewish Christians. It echoes Proverbs and calls God’s people to fear the Lord, walk in simplicity, work righteousness, and get wisdom while awaiting the Messiah.
Today, it seems that Messiah’s second coming is imminent. While we are waiting for that, our children just returned to college this weekend. In bidding them farewell, I exhorted both to fear the Lord, walk in simplicity, work righteousness, and get wisdom. Why?
Wisdom in the fear of God is the greatest treasure anyone can possess and/or share generously.