Proverbs
1:2 – 3 concentrates several Hebrew words for wisdom in two verses, “To
know wisdom (hokmah) and instruction (musar), to understand (bayin) words of
insight (bayin), to receive instruction (musar) in wise dealing (sakal)…”
You have
learned that hokmah is wise ability or skill, and that bayin is discernment to
know between good and evil, and that sakal is the behaving wisely. The
word today is musar and is translated “instruction,” in the verses above.
This
word is from a root word that means to bind, as in to learn something to the
extent that you are bound to it, it becomes a part of you. It took on the
meaning of instruction from correction, and came to be understood as a word for
the discipline of education.
One
thing is for sure, in the verse above it is an essential part of wisdom. Wisdom
is something you are instructed in from God’s word. It is something you are
bound to and it becomes a part of you. And it is from God and is the fruit of
His word.
Understanding
the root and use of the word musar leans toward the purpose of
spiritual disciplines. Many books have been written on spiritual disciplines.
Biographers always point out the practice of spiritual disciplines in the lives
of great Christians.
Spiritual
disciplines teach by repetition behavior that reflects the wisdom of God from
His word. This is meaning of the word musar, instructions in the wisdom of
God from His word. The wisdom of God from His word pleases the Father because
He sees Himself in it. Learning this is instruction in worshiping the Father in
spirit and truth. This is foundational and definitive in our lives.
Today, determine
to receive instruction (musar) in wisdom (sakal).
Ask God, the Holy Spirit, to be your Instructor. Meditate upon a
word from God’s word by memorizing a verse and praying it each day. Take
Proverbs 1:2 today and add 1:3 to it for tomorrow, then pray them both for the
following five days.
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