Proverbs 4:5
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Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
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What have you done, or will you do, today, to get wisdom and understanding? Solomon exhorted his son to get wisdom, remember wisdom, and follow wisdom. The blessed God has offered wisdom and understanding to simple men. Have you taken advantage of the gracious privilege? If you have even a small desire to learn this proverb, you are blessed.
There are three instructions in this proverb. To achieve your maximum success before God and men, you must get wisdom and understanding; you must not forget wisdom once you learn it; and you must not backslide away from keeping it. While these duties could make Solomon's son a great king, they can make you great in the sight of the Lord.
The first instruction is to get wisdom and understanding. The only source document on earth is the Word of God, for any other opinion has no light at all (Is 8:20). The inspired Scriptures are perfect for teaching wisdom (II Tim 3:14-17). It is to this more sure word we are to take heed (II Pet 1:19-21). It should be your daily delight (Job 23:12; Ps 19:10).
When Philip asked the eunuch if he understood what he was reading, the eunuch said, "How can I, except some man should guide me?" (Acts 8:30-31). Philip preached Jesus to him; he was quickly baptized; and he went on his way rejoicing. God has given pastors and teachers to guide us in understanding His word (Neh 8:8; Mal 2:7; II Tim 2:2).
But without the blessing of God's spirit, neither reading nor hearing preaching will work well. Paul prayed for the Ephesian saints to be enlightened by the Spirit of wisdom and revelation to know the things of God (Eph 1:17-18). And the Lord has promised to give wisdom and His Spirit liberally to those who ask for them (James 1:5; Luke 11:13).
Having used Scripture, ministers, and prayer to obtain wisdom and understanding. It is then our duty to remember what we learn. Paul feared for the Corinthians, for they had forgotten some of his teaching regarding the resurrection (I Cor 15:1-2). It is your duty to meditate upon the things you are taught and not let them slip away (6:20-22; Heb 2:1-4).
Holding wisdom tight in your memory, you must also hold it tight in your practice. You cannot decline away from what you have been taught. You must not backslide. You must hold fast the profession of the apostolic faith without wavering and not be moved away from the true gospel (II Thess 2:15; Heb 10:23). There would be no Roman Catholic Church, if the church at Rome had followed this pattern. Our brother Paul taught that the purpose of a local church is to help one another keep the faith (Heb 3:12-13; 10:24-25).
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