Proverbs 24:7
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Wisdom is too high for a fool: he openeth not his mouth in the gate.
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Getting wisdom requires humility - to admit you are wrong. It requires loving instruction - to be corrected by others. It requires courage - to think outside family and society's delusions. Fools cannot do these things. They have no heart for them (17:16), for their eyes and imagination are wandering everywhere else (17:24).
Every preacher, including the Preacher, has watched fools in the presence of wisdom. It goes right over their heads! It is too high for them! They don't even recognize it; they don't have a desire for it; and they certainly don't have the drive to lay hold of it. Within minutes of a sermon, lecture, or private exhortation, it can be observed that nothing stuck.
Thoughts of ruling his spirit, receiving rebukes, rejecting his friends, craving correction, learning in humility, denying the world, begging God, and studying His Word are intimidating and overwhelming to the fool. So he gives up before he ever starts. That is why he is a fool, and he will always be a fool. Let every reader check his own heart!
Every batboy wants to be MVP; every mail clerk president; and every soldier a general. But they cannot conceive the gifts and work necessary to achieve such positions, nor can they conceive the responsibilities of those positions. All they see is the glory, salary, respect, uniform, etc. They believe they deserve the honor as much as anyone: they cannot and will not achieve anything close. They want to give their opinion in the gate, and they think it should be heard as eagerly as others'; but no one will listen to them.
A fool's eyes only work horizontally, in the plane of his habits, thoughts, feelings, and experience. He does not see above his head to realize the living and true God has marked out a very different course for men to take through life. It is too high for him. He loves himself too much; and he fears the opinions of others too much. He will always be a fool.
How can one be wise, when his belly is his god? Many cannot think above sports, family, cars, hobbies, business, or pleasure. They will never reach wisdom, for these other things distort their perception and judgment. Parents infatuated with their children will be unable to judge them rightly. Men obsessed with making money will compromise sound judgment. The lover of pleasure is confused before even starting!
Scorners cannot find wisdom, but it is easy for men of understanding (14:6). Why? The scorner's conceited and profane self-will is blinding (21:24; Ps 10:4-5). Their refusal to be corrected is the guarantee of their perpetual shame and folly (9:7-8; 13:1; 15:12).
The custom was for business and personal disputes to be resolved at the city gate (22:22; 31:23; Deut 16:18; 21:18-21; Ruth 4:1-12). It combined much of our city council, legal system, and law enforcement. There conflicts were settled by judges and third party mediators. There sat the wise men of the city. There godly wisdom was highly honored.
Fools were rejected; for they cannot see right from wrong in even simple matters, so their opinions were rejected and ignored. In controversies requiring judgment, fools will always be ignored, for they have nothing to offer. You have seen them; don't be one!
Dear reader, is your opinion sought to resolve questions? Or have you disqualified yourself by proving in the past to be bankrupt of sound judgment and understanding? Have you shown ignorance of even the basic reasoning of Proverbs? Is thinking and speaking so difficult that everyone passes over your opinions? Then seek wisdom!
Wisdom is not difficult. If you seek, pray, and work for it, you may have it. You may have it as easily as Solomon obtained it (I Kings 3:5; James 1:5). But are you willing to forsake your foolish ways and trust it only (9:6; 18:1; Ps 119:128)? Most will not do it.
Wisdom is not a result of intelligence. Be thankful! Intellectually gifted people are some of the world's greatest fools. Neither is wisdom a result of education, for it is not learned in the classroom of classical instruction. It is found only in the fear and blessing of God, by His grace and in His Word, two things not allowed in our modern educational system.
Consider well the glorious description of Job's wisdom and reputation (Job 29:7-25). No wonder the LORD bragged of this man to Satan! Do you desire to be such a blessing in your family, church, and community? Then humble yourself before the Word of God and devour it (Ps 19:7-14; 119:46,66,96,98-100,104,113,128,130,144,152,158,160; Is 8:20; II Tim 3:16-17; II Pet 1:19-21). Unlimited wisdom that the world's greatest thinkers have never touched lies waiting for you! Take it! Take it to the gate and deliver the righteous!
And in all your learning, remember that the holy Scriptures contain all the wisdom of our glorious salvation in Christ Jesus (II Tim 3:15), without which we would be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine from the cunning craftiness of false teachers (II Tim 4:1-4).
Our Lord Jesus had within Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col 2:3). He could answer the doctors of the law at twelve, and He confounded them many more times later. He grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men! Are you?
Though unlearned in probate settlements, Jesus was sought for judgment even in an inheritance case (Luke 12:13). His combination of knowledge and compassion is unsurpassed in heaven and earth (Heb 4:12-16). And He shall soon sit as Judge of all angels and men in His great throne. Do you reflect the wise teaching of your Master?
Wisdom is a wonderful thing, and every man should pursue it (4:5-7). It is a most precious jewel and should be sought and prized above all earthly possessions. Lady Wisdom calls for the simple to turn in and partake of her fare. See the comments on 9:1.
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