Exploring the Ancient Wisdom of Solomon

Uncover the hidden gems of wisdom contained within Solomon's writings. Learn how his ancient knowledge can be applied to modern life.

‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom the way the alphabet is the beginning of reading. There is no wisdom at all without it.’ Tim Keller

Proverbs forms a part of the Bible known as ‘Wisdom Literature’. And did you know that, though this ancient book of wise sayings was compiled around 931 BC, there is much profound wisdom to be gleaned for our contemporary lives. In fact, Proverbs, like Psalms, names multiple individuals as the authors of its various sections but Solomon likely served as its principal author.

With earthy wisdom about friendship, money management, discipline, and inner well-being, Proverbs offers short, punchy instructions for living a flourishing lifestyle. Today, we discover the source of wisdom and how it can help us live a more God-centered life. Today’s passage is Proverbs chapter 9, verses 9-12: Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still. Teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom, your days will be many. and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you. If you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Proverbs 9.9-12

The Wisdom of Solomon: The fear of the Lord

This passage teaches us that the beginning of wisdom is ‘the fear of the Lord,’ and ‘knowledge of the Holy One’ is understanding. In other words, if we want to be people who are wise, we must begin our search at the source of all wisdom Himself. We must begin by looking at God, worshiping God, and honoring Him above everything around us.

Fear of the Lord is very different from the kind of fear which produces anxiety or is concerned with punishment. Fear of the Lord is a kind of awe-struck reverence or worship. To ‘fear the Lord’ is to organize our lives with God at the center instead of anything else. To ‘fear the Lord’ is to recognise God’s divinity and our own humanity. This is an example of a life that is characterized by fear of the Lord, a life that is God-centered.

The wisdom of Solomon: Choose God

Too often we build our lives around fear of something else. It could be thefear of being lonely, fear of not having enough, or fear of not being liked. The truth is, we have two choices in life: we can choose God as our life center, or something else will be. It is easy to center our lives around earthly fears and desires, but if we want to follow Jesus, there is only one pathway which leads to a full and wise life: it is the path which prioritizes God at its life-center. As author and Pastor Tim Keller says: “Either God and your relationship with him will be the thing you esteem most—and every single other thing will be evaluated in light of that—or your relationship to some other thing (such as money) will define reality.”

Take a moment to ponder this concept and examine your heart. Reflect on your choices, the way you prioritize your time, your spending habits, your goals... Does God sit at your life center today? If earthly fears or desires have taken God’s place at the center of our lives, it can lead to anxiety, stress, and discontent. However, the opposite is also true. In fact, a life with God at the center leads to peace, joy, and contentment. It is a life that is lived to the full (John 10.10).

Wisdom of Solomon: Promises from proverbs

Receive now these promises from God’s word. Promise number one: a life centered on God leads to deep rest and contentment. “The fear of the Lord leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” Proverbs 19.23 Promise number two: a life centered on God gives us security and protection through the storms of life. “Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.” Proverbs 14:26 Promise number three: a life centered on God is life to the full. “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life.” Proverbs 14:27

Hope as the anchor

When our ultimate hope is God and his loving wise plan for our lives, there is nothing that can overthrow us. He becomes our anchor in every storm, our place of refuge through any difficulty. Rather than anxiously trying to fight for our place in the world, We will find ourselves resting content, drawing on a deep well of love, joy and peace at all times.

Let’s pray

God, I choose you today. Please be the center of my life: my motivation, my deepest desire, and the center of my worship. As I build my life on you, would you help me to grow in wisdom, love, and character. May I know you deeply today. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Photos by Eberhard Grossgasteiger