Proverbs 2:1 Commentary and Bible Study

In this verse Solomon is addressing particularly the young but not exclusively so; indeed, there is no fool like an old fool. If only we can win people to Christ while they are young. ‘My son’, he begins. If we would only turn to God in the first stage of life, we would have such riches. Note that the condition is strong: if we would revere him and turn to him.In the next few verses the most significant words are the verbs: ‘receive’, ‘hide’, ‘incline’, ‘apply’, ‘cry’, lift up’, ‘seek’. ‘My words’ – this is what we have to seek. Does it seem simple? – he speaks therefore we listen! No, it is more than that. The terms are loaded. Solomon is emphasising a distinct aspect of the gospel. The message of God is not unfathomable, mysterious, shimmering beyond our reach, a message which you spend a lifetime picking away at. There are deep things, yes, but the fundamental things that light up our lives are tangible forms of words. Our enlightened response is, ‘Now I know. Now I see it.’ It is not some strange religious mirage which none can nail down. There is a logical message about creation, sin, salvation. This is all simple, straightforward. It is not a matter of searching out all that seems religious, and putting truths together from different sources. It is simply a matter of listening to God who explains everything.God’s commandments or commands are not an option. ‘I hear what you say but I will do it another way, work out something for myself.’ This has the force of law. God may say it appealingly, but it is a command. Don’t lose sight of this because of the pleading. God has standards, a way of salvation. Do you know that God is imparting skill in handling life? He is giving us capacity to know him, skill to pray, to direct our lives for him and seek him.The word ‘hide’ may make you think that you must hide it in your heart so that when you need it you will have it ready. That is not the sense here. It means – make it yours forever, not just for now. It is not like swotting for exams, learning only enough to pass and then forget it. No, this is knowledge to be yours forever. I must have this. Come in that attitude and you will get it.