The first thing that struck me when reading the first few verses was the importance studying the scriptures. Not to study as a hist orical document,
or just to be able to recite verses, but to feed on it, soaking in the important lessons it has to offer. Storing the knowledge in your heart and actively using it in our lives and relationship with the Lord:
4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. (NIV)
Search for what the He is communicating to us, giving Him our full undivided attention. After all, we certainly wouldn’t be hunting for Gold or Silver and not pay much attention to what we are doing! Search for Gold or Silver, we would have a sense of urgency, a hunger to find what we desired.
Of course we know that material riches do not satisfy, however there is real satisfying riches in Gods Holy Word, and we can find them if we only take the time and make the effort to immerse ourselves and study.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (NIV)
Some of the books of the Bible date back thousands of years, and yet it is STILL the worlds best seller! It’s author is the best writer in the universe. In it He has imparted much of His amazing wisdom for us to feed on and apply in our own lives. What a gift. He hasn’t just said “Follow Me”, then leave us on our own to get on with it, but He has sent His Holy Spirit down to us to help and guide us, and He has given us the most amazing Book in the Universe to help, guide and give us wisdom, that we may follow him in a way that will glorify Him and advance His Kingdom!
9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. (NIV)
When we thirst to know what the Lord wants from us, by studying His word and searching for those treasures just like we would search for Silver or Gold, we will gain an understanding of what is “right, just and fair”, and the wisdom to choose the right paths.
