then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. then you will discernThe phrase "then you will discern" implies a conditional result based on prior actions or attitudes. In the Hebrew text, the word for "discern" is "בִּין" (bin), which means to understand or perceive. This suggests a deep, insightful comprehension that goes beyond mere intellectual acknowledgment. In the context of Proverbs, discernment is often linked to wisdom, which is a gift from God. It is not just about acquiring information but about understanding life from God's perspective. This discernment is a result of seeking wisdom diligently, as described in the preceding verses. the fear of the LORD
"The fear of the LORD" is a central theme in Proverbs and throughout the Bible. The Hebrew word for "fear" is "יִרְאָה" (yirah), which encompasses reverence, awe, and respect. It is not a fear that paralyzes but one that inspires obedience and worship. In the ancient Near Eastern context, fear of a deity was common, but the biblical concept is unique in its relational aspect. It is about recognizing God's holiness, sovereignty, and love, leading to a life of devotion and moral integrity. This fear is foundational to wisdom, as it aligns one's heart with God's will. and discover
The word "discover" in Hebrew is "מָצָא" (matsa), meaning to find or attain. It implies an active pursuit and a rewarding outcome. In the biblical sense, discovering is often associated with divine revelation and insight. It suggests that the knowledge of God is not hidden from those who earnestly seek it. This discovery is a process, a journey of growing in understanding and relationship with God. It is both a gift and a pursuit, requiring diligence and openness to God's leading. the knowledge of God
"The knowledge of God" refers to an intimate, experiential understanding of God's character, will, and ways. The Hebrew word "דַּעַת" (da'at) signifies knowledge that is relational and transformative. It is not merely factual but involves a personal relationship with God. In the biblical narrative, knowing God is the ultimate goal of human existence, as it brings life, purpose, and fulfillment. This knowledge is revealed through Scripture, creation, and the person of Jesus Christ. It is a knowledge that transforms the heart and mind, leading to a life that reflects God's wisdom and love. Persons / Places / Events 1. SolomonTraditionally considered the author of Proverbs, Solomon was the son of King David and known for his wisdom. He wrote Proverbs to impart wisdom and understanding. 2. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, representing His eternal and unchanging nature. The fear of the LORD is central to understanding and wisdom. 3. IsraelThe nation to whom the Proverbs were originally addressed, representing God's chosen people who were to live by His wisdom and commandments. Teaching Points The Fear of the LORD as ReverenceThe "fear of the LORD" in Hebrew (yirat Yahweh) implies a deep respect and reverence for God. It is not about being afraid but about acknowledging His holiness and authority in our lives. Pursuit of Divine KnowledgeDiscovering the "knowledge of God" involves a relationship with Him, seeking His will through prayer, study of Scripture, and obedience. It is more than intellectual understanding; it is experiential and transformative. Wisdom as a Gift from GodTrue wisdom and understanding come from God. As believers, we are encouraged to seek His wisdom, which He provides through His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Practical Application of WisdomApplying the fear of the LORD and the knowledge of God in daily life leads to righteous living, ethical decisions, and a life that honors God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the concept of the "fear of the LORD" influence your daily decisions and actions? 2. In what ways can you actively seek the "knowledge of God" in your personal Bible study and prayer life? 3. How does understanding the original Hebrew context of "fear" and "knowledge" enhance your interpretation of Proverbs 2:5? 4. What are some practical steps you can take to ensure that your pursuit of wisdom aligns with God's will as described in Proverbs 2:5? 5. How do other scriptures, such as James 1:5 and Psalm 111:10, reinforce the message of Proverbs 2:5 in your spiritual journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Proverbs 1:7This verse introduces the concept that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, establishing a foundational theme that is further explored in Proverbs 2:5. James 1:5This New Testament verse encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, which He gives generously, connecting to the idea of discovering the knowledge of God. Psalm 111:10This verse reiterates that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, linking the Old Testament understanding of wisdom with reverence for God. People SolomonPlaces JerusalemTopics Clear, Discern, Discover, Fear, Findest, Understand, Understandest, YoursDictionary of Bible Themes Proverbs 2:5 5667 children, responsibilities to God Proverbs 2:1-5 4363 silver
8313 nurture Proverbs 2:1-6 8136 knowing God, effects Proverbs 2:1-8 5302 education Proverbs 2:3-6 5028 knowledge, God source of human Proverbs 2:5-6 8355 understanding Library The Beginning and End of Wisdom
PROVERBS ii. 2, 3, 5. If thou incline thine ear to wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after wisdom, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. We shall see something curious in the last of these verses, when we compare it with one in the chapter before. The chapter before says, that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. That if we wish to be wise at all, we must BEGIN by …
Charles Kingsley—The Good News of GodThe Red Lamp.
Travelling by express train the other day, we found that we were stopped a long distance from the station where we were timed to stop, and looking out of the window, saw a red light ahead. That accounted for it, we knew there was something in the way. The driver knew what he was about, and though anxious to go on, did not move until the red light was changed to white. Some of those who read this paper are living in sin. To such, the Bible speaks out in plain terms, and, like the Red Light, would …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread Notes on the Fourth Century
Page 238. Med. 1. In the wording of this meditation, and of several other passages in the Fourth Century, it seems as though Traherne is speaking not of himself, but of, a friend and teacher of his. He did this, no doubt, in order that he might not lay himself open to the charge of over-egotism. Yet that he is throughout relating his own experiences is proved by the fact that this Meditation, as first written, contains passages which the author afterwards marked for omission. In its original form …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Letter xxiv (Circa A. D. 1126) to Oger, Regular Canon
To Oger, Regular Canon [34] Bernard blames him for his resignation of his pastoral charge, although made from the love of a calm and pious life. None the less, he instructs him how, after becoming a private person, he ought to live in community. To Brother Oger, the Canon, Brother Bernard, monk but sinner, wishes that he may walk worthily of God even to the end, and embraces him with the fullest affection. 1. If I seem to have been too slow in replying to your letter, ascribe it to my not having …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Truth Hidden when not Sought After.
"They shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables."--2 Tim. iv. 4. From these words of the blessed Apostle, written shortly before he suffered martyrdom, we learn, that there is such a thing as religious truth, and therefore there is such a thing as religious error. We learn that religious truth is one--and therefore that all views of religion but one are wrong. And we learn, moreover, that so it was to be (for his words are a prophecy) that professed Christians, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII Sundry Sharp Reproofs
This doctrine draws up a charge against several sorts: 1 Those that think themselves good Christians, yet have not learned this art of holy mourning. Luther calls mourning a rare herb'. Men have tears to shed for other things, but have none to spare for their sins. There are many murmurers, but few mourners. Most are like the stony ground which lacked moisture' (Luke 8:6). We have many cry out of hard times, but they are not sensible of hard hearts. Hot and dry is the worst temper of the body. Sure …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 Sunday Before Lent
Text: First Corinthians 13. 1 If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And if I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. II The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness," &C.
Matt. vi. 33.--"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness," &c. This is a part of Christ's long sermon. He is dissuading his disciples and the people from carnal carefulness and worldly mindedness. The sermon holds out the Christian's diverse aspects towards spiritual and external things. What is the Christian's disposition in regard to the world, how should he look upon food, raiment, and all things necessary in this life? "Be careful for nothing." "Take no thought for your life, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Proverbs
Many specimens of the so-called Wisdom Literature are preserved for us in the book of Proverbs, for its contents are by no means confined to what we call proverbs. The first nine chapters constitute a continuous discourse, almost in the manner of a sermon; and of the last two chapters, ch. xxx. is largely made up of enigmas, and xxxi. is in part a description of the good housewife. All, however, are rightly subsumed under the idea of wisdom, which to the Hebrew had always moral relations. The Hebrew …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Proverbs 2:5 NIVProverbs 2:5 NLTProverbs 2:5 ESVProverbs 2:5 NASBProverbs 2:5 KJV
Proverbs 2:5 Commentaries
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