Insightful Musings on theScriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good morning, dear ones.

Becki and I did our walk/jog up the hill just before 8am. Nice morning. It’s dull sunlight right now. I plan to get out there right after sending this to get some burn piles started and to cut up some oak logs.

Hope your day goes well. Blessings.

Love, Dad/Ray.

This is one of the promises the author makes to his son IF (most Biblical promises have conditions) he will seek for wisdom, understanding, and insight in the same way that people “look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure” (Proverbs 2:4). It’s available only by seeking God with a healthy “fear of the LORD” (Proverbs 2:5). That search has to be decisive and diligent. It doesn’t happen by accident or a casual “whatever.”

I like to define wisdom as, “The best use of human intelligence.” The idea that it is a “commodity” essential for doing life correctly and found only in relationship with the Maker of life is not confined to the Old Testament. James presents a similar promise: “If any of you lacks wisdom (I’m raising my hand), he should ask God (I’m asking), who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (I’m trusting) (James 1:5).

David launches Psalm 62 with a testimony quite compatible with the promises of Proverbs 2 and James 1. I reason that wisdom and understanding have indeed entered David’s heart as a result of his sincerely seeking his Maker. He has learned that there is exclusivity in this relationship, with benefits that can be found nowhere else, and by no other means. He says, “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken” (Psalms 62:1-2). The benefits of this relationship are so rich and rewarding that he never wants to be removed from it. He has learned that it’s a very unsafe and shaky arrangement to try to navigate his course on his own.

David is not shy about promoting what he has found. He calls out to anyone willing to listen, “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (v. 8). Here is where David shines. The volume of psalms authored by David offer compelling evidence that he is practicing what he preaches. Besides learning to fear the Lord, and trust the Lord, he personally pours out his heart before the Lord. That’s certainly more effective than trying to hold it all in, or just pouring one’s heart out before everyone else.