THE AUDITORIUM SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS
DECEMBER 31ST, 2006
THREE STATEMENTS AND THEIR MEANINGS
Introduction: Solomon makes three points, in chapter two, and each begins with the word “if.”
I. Notice that each “if” statement is immediately elaborated on, beginning with the word “and.” (1-4)
A. “IF thou wilt receive my words...” (1)
- “AND hide my commandments with thee.”
B. “IF thou criest after knowledge...” (3)
- “AND liftest up thy voice for understanding.”
C. “IF thou seekest her as silver...” (4)
- “AND searchest for her as for hid treasures.”
D. Each of the elaborations (the “and” statements) deepen our understanding of the “if” statements.
II. What do each of these statements mean?
A. “If thou wilt receive my words” (1)
1. “Receive” means to accept with open arms.
2. Solomon desires that his son receives, with open arms, the following words of advice.
B. “and hide my commandments with thee (1)
1. Solomon is referring to the commandments that he gave his son, to obey the commandments of God.
2. Solomon’s son is to keep these godly admonitions hidden in his heart and mind.
C. The result of receiving and hiding these godly precepts in his mind and heart are two-fold: (2)
1. Your ear will be inclined to wisdom. (2)
- Inclining your ear means t hat you will automatically have a bent towards Wisdom.
2. Your heart will apply itself to understanding. (2)
- You will be inwardly dedicated to understanding God’s plan in this world.
D. “If thou criest after knowledge” (3)
1. Crying refers to the lifting up of your voice - NOT weeping.
2. Like a searching father would call out the name of a lost son.
3. Solomon wants his son to search out, and cry out, after a deeper knowledge of God.
E. “And liftest up thy voice for understanding” (3)
1. This repeats the original point.
2. Solomon’s son is to seek out a deeper understanding of God.
F. “If thou seekest her as silver” (4)
1. Silver is a rich metal, and is usually hidden.
2. Solomon’s son is to search for godly knowledge like a miner searches for silver in a mine.
G. “And searchest for her as for hid treasures.” (4)
1. Silver is ONE precious metal, but “treasures” are plural - meaning many treasures.
2. Solomon’s son is to search for a deeper understanding of God, resulting in many treasures.
III. What are the results of receiving (1), crying (3), and seeking (4) after godly Wisdom? (5)
A. You will have an understanding of “the fear of the Lord.” (5)
B. You will find the knowledge of God. (5)
Conclusion: Solomon considered it his responsibility to enlighten his son concerning the wealth that is hidden in a search for Godly Wisdom.