Seven Pillars of Wisdom

Greetings.

For the month of July, I have a guest article I'd like to share. This was written by my Brother-in-law, Jim Moses. I believe it will be a blessing to you.
Pastor Stacey

"Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out its seven pillars." (Prov 9:1 NIV) Have you ever wondered as you read those words: What are the seven pillars of wisdom? Psalm 110:10 (KJV) tells us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments:..." This thought is repeated in Proverbs 1:7 and 9:10.

However, Psalm 110:10 does not mean that the fear of the Lord is a pillar of wisdom but that it is foundational. One cannot build anything that will last without choosing the right foundation. Eternal things must have an eternal foundation. John Bevere gives an excellent explanation of this foundation in chapter 7 of his book Driven by Eternity.

Bevere reminds us that the fear of God is intended to bring us to God. It is sin that drives us away. We need to realize that He can destroy both body and soul in hell (Matthew 10:28) but that is not His purpose. Moses told Israel (Ex 20:20), "... do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." (NIV) Bevere points out the contrast between the "do not be afraid" and the fear of the Lord that will keep them from sinning. We serve a loving and holy and mighty God. We can say with David, "O taste and see that the Lord is good...!" (Ps 34:8 NASB)

Once we are born into His kingdom, we have the privilege to come boldly into His presence (Heb 4:16). However, no one dare come presumptuously. It is presumptuous to think that we may come any other way except through faith in Jesus and His death and resurrection (Acts 4:12). The cross speaks both of God's love and also His judgment on sin. It is presumptuous to think we can come into His presenc e with unconfessed sin. We come there only with clean hands and a pure heart (Ps 24:4).

The fear of the Lord is the right foundation both individually and collectively. The house that wisdom builds (Prov 9:1) is the church. "... God's purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places." (Eph 3:10 NLT) He also uses it to reveal Himself to the world (Matt 5:14; John 13:35). The church is precious in His sight. It cost Him everything. The apostle Paul warns the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:28), "...take heed to yourselves and to the flock ... the church of God which He purchased with His own blood..." The psalmist says, "Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him." (Ps 33:8 NKJV)

If having reverential awe of the Lord is foundational to wisdom, what are its pillars? There are seven things presented here for the reader to ponder as pillars of wisdom. Others may come up with a different list, similar list, even a longer or shorter list. As we read Proverbs chapter 6:16-19 (the six, yes seven things that God hates), the fear of the Lord which instructs us to keep ourselves in the love of God (Jude 21, Ps 7:11 NKJV) will teach us things that God loves. When we consider the list in Prov 6:16-19, we find seven things, opposites of the things listed, that we will consider as pillars of wisdom:


Things God hates Pillar of Wisdom

1. A proud look 1. Humility
2. A lying tongue 2. Truth
3. Hands that shed innocent blood 3. Mercy
4. A heart that devises wicked plans 4. Purity/Righteousness
5. Feet that are swift in running to evil 5. Love
6. A false witness who speaks lies 6. A faithful witness
7. One who sows discord among the brethren 7 . Peace/Peacemakers (Unity)