EGW WritingsProverbs 2

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Ms 46, 1902

17LtMs, Ms 46, 1902, par. 23

“My son,” saith Wisdom, “if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee, ... then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” [Proverbs 2:1, 5.] The promise is, “He shall know of the doctrine.” [John 7:17.] Will all turn their eyes Christward? Then those who have so largely devoted their time to outward display will be purified from the dross of frivolity. If any man willeth to do God’s will, says the divine Teacher, “he shall know of the doctrine.”

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 11 (1896)

Lt 91, 1896

11LtMs, Lt 91, 1896, par. 12

Said the psalmist, “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple,”—to all who, with the simplicity of a child, will search that Word. [Psalm 119:130.] “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom; out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” [Proverbs 2:1-6.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Lt 15, 1899

14LtMs, Lt 15, 1899, par. 17

The Lord says to you through His servant, You have but little time to work. “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; ... if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shall thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous, he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity, yea, every good path.” [Proverbs 2:1, 2, 4-9.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 14 (1899)

Ms 182, 1899

14LtMs, Ms 182, 1899, par. 9

Spoke to mothers. Proverbs 2:1-9.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 13 [Nos. 1000-1080]

MR No. 1012—Qualifications of Parents and Teachers; a Call to Leave Battle Creek

13MR 102.1

[Proverbs 2:1-9, quoted.] This is an experience that will not wash out in the heat of summer. It will stand the test of trial. Those who gain this experience will not follow their own impulsive conjectures.

13MR 102.3

[Proverbs 2:10-13, quoted.] This has been the condition of things all along the line in the going out from the center, Battle Creek. The great difficulty is that confidence is placed in men. The ideas of those whose lives have not been clean and upright have been seized and acted upon. Selfishness and self-serving characterize these men, and in any important crisis they make trouble, drawing under their influence those who ought to have learned by experience to cut away from them. The light of the Sun of Righteousness has not been shining upon them. They hear a rumor, and they run without any message from God. This is the trouble with many in Battle Creek. They are unsettled. They have not a firm grip upon the Lord. They need to be thoroughly converted.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 75, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 75, 1898, par. 28

“My son, if thou wilt receive my words and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous; he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.” [Proverbs 2:1-9.]

13LtMs, Lt 75, 1898, par. 31

“When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee; to deliver thee from the way of the evil men, from the man that speaketh froward things; who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness.” [Verses 10-13.] This has been the condition of things all along the line in the going out from the center, Battle Creek. The great difficulty is that confidence is placed in men.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 21, 1894

9LtMs, Lt 21, 1894, par. 9

O, how can God bear with the misdeeds of those who have had great light and advantages, and yet follow the course of their own choosing, to their eternal harm? Solomon, who had solemnly charged the people at the dedication of the temple, “Let your heart be perfect with the Lord your God” [1 Kings 8:61], chose his own way, and in his own heart separated from God. The mind that was once given to God and inspired of God to write the most precious words of wisdom (the book of Proverbs)—truths which are immortalized—that noble mind, through evil associations and yielding to temptations, became inefficient, weak in moral power, and Solomon dishonored himself, dishonored Israel, and dishonored his God.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Ms 40, 1898

13LtMs, Ms 40, 1898, par. 15

Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs, but after a time his wisdom became mingled with chaff. When came the chaff? After a manhood of such glorious promise, a change came in Solomon’s history. He did not continue true to his purity and allegiance to God. He broke through the barriers which God had erected to preserve His people from idolatry. The Lord had singled out Israel as a nation, making them the depositaries of sacred truth, to be given to the world. But Solomon cherished pride of political powers. He encouraged alliances with pagan kingdoms. He procured the silver of Tarshish and the gold of Ophir, but it was at the expense of destroying sacred trusts. Evil communications corrupted good manners. One false movement led to an acquaintance with idolaters. He formed marriage alliances with the daughters of pagan worshipers, and his wives led him away from God. His separation from God through communication with idolaters ruined him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 25 (1910 - 1915)

Ms 65, 1911

25LtMs, Ms 65, 1911, par. 20

There is too much visiting and the conversation is not profitable. Please read Proverbs chapters 2, 3, and 4. Consider this instruction.

The Ministry of Healing

Christ the Fountainhead of True Knowledge

MH 456.3

“Incline thine ear unto wisdom, ...
Apply thy heart to understanding; ...
Seek her as silver, ...
Search for her as for hid treasures:
Then shalt thou understand the fear of Jehovah,
And find the knowledge of God....
Then shalt thou understand righteousness and justice,
And equity, yea, every good path.
For wisdom shall enter into thy heart,
And knowledge shall be pleasant unto thy soul;
Discretion shall watch over thee;
Understanding shall keep thee.”
Wisdom “is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her:
And happy is everyone that retaineth her.” Proverbs 2:2-11, A.R.V.; 3:18.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 8 (1893)

Lt 17, 1893

8LtMs, Lt 17, 1893, par. 4

“He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: to deliver thee from the way of the evil men, from the man that speaketh froward things; who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness.” [Proverbs 2:2-13.]

Christ’s Object Lessons

Chapter 8—Hidden Treasure

COL 114.4

“If thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:3-5.

My Life Today

How to Gain Knowledge, April 14

ML 108.1

If thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:3-5.

Reflecting Christ

The Reward of Searching, April 13

RC 117.1

If thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest for her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:3-5.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 13 (1898)

Lt 3, 1898

13LtMs, Lt 3, 1898, par. 7

The work that should be done by those who love to criticize is to study the Bible, as well as read it. The truth is represented as treasure hid in a field, and in order to discover and come into possession of it, there will need to be a most careful, diligent search. Mere surface work is not enough. But little more than this has been done on these grounds. Minds must bend to the task of ascertaining from the Word the thought of God. There must be a taxing of the intellect in dependence upon the Holy Spirit to open the understanding. “If thou thirst [criest] after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding: if thou seek after her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasure, then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.” [Proverbs 2:3-5.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 45, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 45, 1897, par. 14

“For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous. He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of the saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness and judgment and equity, yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul, discretion shall preserve, understanding shall keep thee: to deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man which speaketh froward things.” [Proverbs 2:3-12.]

To Be Like Jesus

Treasures of Truth Are for Those Who Dig, April 10

BLJ 110.1

If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:4, 5, NKJV.

Conflict and Courage

Learning and Unlearning, March 21

CC 86.1

The Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

The Peril in Worldly Education

CT 16.2

The true higher education is that imparted by Him with whom is “wisdom and strength,” out of whose mouth “cometh knowledge and understanding.” Job 12:13; Proverbs 2:6. In a knowledge of God all true knowledge and real development have their source. Wherever we turn, in the mental, the physical, or the spiritual realm; in whatever we behold, apart from the blight of sin, this knowledge is revealed. Whatever line of investigation we pursue with a sincere purpose to arrive at truth, we are brought in touch with the unseen, mighty Intelligence that is working in and through all. The mind of man is brought into communion with the mind of God, the finite with the Infinite. The effect of such communion on body and mind and soul is beyond estimate.—Education, 14.

Education

Chapter 1—Source and Aim of True Education

Ed 14.1

In these days much is said concerning the nature and importance of “higher education.” The true “higher education” is that imparted by Him with whom “is wisdom and strength” (Job 12:13), out of whose mouth “cometh knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6.

Sons and Daughters of God

Seek Constantly to Improve Your Powers, November 1

SD 312.1

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6.

That I May Know Him

Wisdom From the Father of Light, July 6

TMK 193.1

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6.

This Day With God

The Door Is Still Open, June 3

TDG 163.1

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6.

Our High Calling

Be Careful What You Read, September 27

OHC 276.1

For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. Proverbs 2:6, 7.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 17 (1902)

Lt 3, 1902

17LtMs, Lt 3, 1902, par. 12

Elder Haskell and wife, we have no warnings to give you to stimulate zeal and earnestness. You could not look upon this field, or upon any field in its destitution, without putting your shoulder to the wheel. But the light given me from God is, that you need to consider that if you would serve the work, you must not disqualify yourselves physically or morally by overdoing. Keep fresh, that you may educate others how to work; and do not get discouraged because you cannot carry the whole load. The Lord does not place upon you burdens so heavy that you cannot carry them without sacrificing your mental, moral, and spiritual capabilities. Prudence in speech and in devising is a good thing. “For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.” [Proverbs 2:6-9.] We thank the Lord for all these blessed assurances. We pray most earnestly for you all at the family altar, and we are praying for ourselves. We cast our helpless souls upon Jesus Christ.

Radiant Religion

For It Supplies Wisdom and Understanding, November 11

RRe 317.1

When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee. Proverbs 2:10, 11.

Proverbs 2:6, 10, Moffatt.

Reflecting Christ

Discipline Prepares Youth for High Destiny, September 22

RC 279.1

When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee. Proverbs 2:10, 11.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

A Word in Season

6T 69.4

Those who keep in a prayerful frame of mind will be able to speak a word in season to those who are brought within the sphere of their influence; for God will give wisdom whereby they may serve the Lord Jesus. “When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee.” Proverbs 2:10, 11. You will open your mouth with wisdom, and in your tongue will be the law of kindness.

Sons and Daughters of God

Discretion, June 28

SD 186.1

Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee. Proverbs 2:11.

Radiant Religion

Draw Me from the Path of Uprightness, August 19

RRe 233.1

To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things; who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness; who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the frowardness of the wicked. Proverbs 2:12-14.

Patriarchs and Prophets

Chapter 41—Apostasy at the Jordan

PP 461.2

“The lips of a strange woman drop as an honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil: but her end is bitter as wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword.” Proverbs 5:3, 4. “Remove thy way far from her, and come not nigh the door of her house: lest thou give thine honor unto others, and thy years unto the cruel: lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labors be in the house of a stranger; and thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed.” Verses 8-11. “Her house inclineth unto death.” “None that go unto her return again.” Proverbs 2:18, 19. “Her guests are in the depths of hell.” Proverbs 9:18.

In Heavenly Places

The Vital Threads of Influence, June 13

HP 171.1

That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. Proverbs 2:20.

My Life Today

Walk in the Way of Good Men, July 29

ML 214.1

Walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. Proverbs 2:20.

Our High Calling

A Pure Moral Atmosphere, September 6

OHC 255.1

That thou mayest walk in the way of good men, and keep the paths of the righteous. Proverbs 2:20.