As I turned to pray on this National Day of Prayer, I was overcome by all the needs near and far! From local to out of state, to the many national needs, the amount of prayer concerns was overwhelming! And my first reaction normally would have been to be depressed. But thankfully, I turned to the Book of Proverbs and read: “For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding…Then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom” (2:3-6a, NASB).  Despite uncertainty, this provided motivation to pray. His Word lifted me above concerns, planting my feet firmly in His sovereign control, and carried me through the prayer vigil.

Proverbs 2 presents the benefits of seeking after God’s wisdom and knowledge.

Three times in the first five verses of Proverbs 2, Solomon says “If.” If means, it is conditional. If you do this then this will happen. “Then” actually appears at the start of verse 5 and again later in verse 9. “Then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God” (v. 5); “Then you will discern righteousness and justice and equity and every good course” (v. 9).

The word “for” appears in verses 6 and 10. God’s promises are fulfilled when we pray in dependence. These are my favorite verses in chapter 2: “For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (v. 6) … “For wisdom will enter your heart and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul” (v. 10).

Will you receive the gracious invitation from Proverbs 2, follow the instructions, make them a habit to pursue, and receive wisdom despite uncertainties?