The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity… Proverbs 1:1-3
The book of Proverbs is one of the central books in a group known as the wisdom literature. Of all that the Bible has to say about wisdom, her value, what she produces, etc., perhaps no other book gives as detailed a picture as Proverbs. For this, it is worth noting in this discussion what the instruction of wisdom produces in the one who will receive it. In Proverbs 1:1-6, Solomon details the purpose in the book which includes knowing wisdom and instruction, perceiving words of understanding, receiving the instruction of wisdom, giving prudence to the simple, etc. We will zoom in on Proverbs 1:3 and take special note of three specific things that flow from receiving the instruction of wisdom. Though these three bear different nuances, all three are related in meaning, so it appears that there may be some sense of a scaffolding in the passage where these elements build on one another to form a more complete output.
First, justice flows out of the instruction of wisdom. The term translated justice here is most often translated as righteousness. The various definitions of the term include “the right thing, the correct thing, truthfulness, an act of justice, etc.” In legal documents it was sometimes used to describe the rightful king over a realm and the reasons it was correct for him to hold that position. This term occurs 117 times in the KJV, often in opposition to any form of injustice people may practice and conversely in lauding uprightness, especially in God’s dealings with mankind (Leviticus 19:15; Job 6:29; 29:14; 36:2-3; Psalms 9:8; 23:3; 35:28; Isaiah 1:21, 26; etc.). In short, God’s wisdom reveals to weak, ignorant human beings the things which make for doing what is right, truthful, just, etc.
Second, the instruction of wisdom brings about judgment. We may immediately think of the negative sense of condemnation when we see the word judgment (cf. Matthew 7:1ff; Romans 15; etc.), but this is not the primary meaning ascribed in this passage. Though it does include the condemnation of wrongs, in keeping with the justice mentioned above, it has to do with rendering what is due to one. This term occurs 417 times in the KJV, variously translated as judgment(s), just, cause, law, manner, custom, right, etc. Though bearing many nuances depending on the context, perhaps no passage captures the essence of this word better than Genesis 18:25 when Abraham was pleading with God to spare Sodom for the sake of the righteous if they may be found in the city. He stated, “Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” The primary thrust is that God cannot give to anyone other than that which is right, and wisdom’s instruction produces the same in those who receive it.
Finally, wisdom’s instruction produces people who are equitable to others. Again, this term shades into the previous two as it primarily means “evenness, uprightness, equity.” One of the most frequen uses of this term is to describe the uprightness of God’s judgment on the world (Psalms 9:8; 75:1-2; 98:9; 99:4). There is much to be thankful for in this equity describing God’s dealings with humanity, especially in light of His holding all power and the possession of all souls (Ezekiel 18:4).
Though He has the power to do whatever He chooses with us, His justice, judgment, and equity assure us that none will receive unjust treatment from the Father. Though we have tendencies that run counter to these things, we can learn to think God’s thoughts after Him and execute justice, judgment, and equity with our neighbors. What a world this would be if all 8 billion of us relinquished our own devices and received wisdom’s instructions. We must strive daily to make these things so in our lives, no matter what the world may do.