Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.1
The Book of Proverbs is full of nuggets of wisdom which we can glean from; it is no coincidence that it has 31 chapters—one chapter for each day of the month. Just like gold, the nuggets are acquired from consistent, diligent seeking. And like a gold hunter, he needs preparation and tools for the search. Subtle, I discover the nuggets are rich in promises which come partially, progressively, and conditionally. For every promise is a premise. God is process oriented. Observe, in verse 4, the sequence from whom favor and good success emanates—God first! For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?2
There is no end to the pursuit of knowledge; but one thing I do know, there is only one Truth!3 And one source of truth.4 Allow me to share my journey and some gleanings of the “one thing I do know”6 which progressively increases as I faithfully regurgitate a chapter a day of Proverbs (for years now):
One thing I do know, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.6 And as I apply and turn at his reproof, God pours out his Spirit to me; and he makes known to me further his words.7
One thing I do know, as I trust in the LORD with all my heart, and not lean on my own understanding, and in all my ways acknowledge him, he makes straight my paths.8 And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself anymore, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.9
One thing I do know, he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live. Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.10 Keep your heart with all vigilance for from it flow the springs of life.11
One thing I do know, there is nothing hidden from God12 For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.13 I will return again to my place, until they acknowledge their guilt and see my face, and in their distress earnestly seek me.14 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.15 I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.16
One thing I do know, The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.17 As I increased in knowledge of God and applied the knowledge, I began to grow in wisdom.
What is the one thing that you do know? Go . . .18 The premise to the promise is hinged to the going!
Notes:
1. Proverbs 3:3-4
2. Matthew 16:26
3. John 14:6
4. John 17:17
5. “One thing I do know” is a phrase in John 9:25, quoted from a blind man who was healed by Jesus
6. Proverbs 1:7
7. Proverbs 1:23
8. Proverbs 3:5-8
9. Isaiah 30:20-21
10. Proverbs 4:4-7
11. Proverbs 4:23
12. Proverbs 5:21
13. Proverbs 6:23
14. Hosea 5:15
15. Psalm 119:105
16. Proverbs 8:17
17. Proverbs 9:10
18. Matthew 28:18-20
