Wisdom, Justice, Judgment and Equity - Proverbs 1:3

The book of Proverbs begins with the words, “The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding”, and in chapter one and verse three of Proverbs Solomon said the proverbs were given, “to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity” where we read,

To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity;

The verse begins, “To receive the instruction of wisdom, ...”. Solomon began with the words, “to receive” or “to get, take, lay hold of, seize, acquire and fetch” “the instruction of wisdom” which means “the discipline, correction and chastening pertaining to skill in war, shrewdness in administration and prudence in religious affairs”. Solomon shared how people reading and listening to his words would lay hold of and seize discipline and correction pertaining to skill and shrewdness.

The verse goes on to say, “... justice, and judgment, and equity;” Solomon continued with the word, “justice” or “what is right, normal, just and righteous”, “and judgment” which means “and process, procedure, litigation, case and cause according to ordinance, right and privilege”, “and equity” or “and evenness, uprightness, straightness and rectitude”. Solomon said his proverbs would give instruction in what is right, according to procedure, uprightness and rectitude.

When we think through Solomon's words in this verse, we learn how his “proverbs” would teach his readers and listeners about skill, shrewdness, what is right, according to process and procedure and what is upright according to God's ways in the world. We all need “wisdom and understanding”, and when we read these words of Solomon and take heed to them, that which is right, according to privilege and straight in God's eyes will be in our lives. God knows mankind sinned, and when they did, they became separated from a relationship with Him. He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of everyone, and when we yield our lives to Him as our personal “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us to “receive” His “wisdom, justice, judgment and equity” as we live before His eyes.

Next time Solomon says the Proverbs were given, “to give subtlety to the simple”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".