Insights from Chapter 2–
If you seek her as silver, And search for her as hidden treasures, Then you would understand the fear of YHWH, and find the knowledge for Elohim.
Proverbs 2:4-5
Nothing that’s good in life comes easily.
In many ways it’s almost as though the hardship and persistence in the pursuit proves that you really want it.
Of course there’s always that element of knowing what’s worth pursuing to begin with. It takes a level of practice and awareness to know if we are chasing something (or someone) for right reasons or so that we– as James would put it– can consume it upon our lusts.
I’m probably somewhere in the middle if I’m being honest, but I do know that wisdom is the principle thing. And guess what? I learned that from reading Proverbs!
Wisdom is not always easy to find, in the sense that our emotions and elementary desires tend to get in the way. However, over time and having exercised our senses by reason of use, it becomes easier and easier to recognize those hidden gems scattered throughout our experiences and circumstances.
It’s the glory of God to conceal a matter, and the glory of kings (and queens) to search it out.
In doing so, we will come to better understand the ways of our Creator and will, in turn, be rewarded generously for our obedience; because in the end, obedience is greater than any sacrifice.
Translation:
Institute for Scripture Research (2009). The Scriptures.