Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 2:6

ESV For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
NIV For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
NASB For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
CSB For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
NLT For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
KJV For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

What does Proverbs 2:6 mean?

While this is the beginning of a new section and a new statement in whole, it also serves as a conclusion to the preceding five verses. Solomon reminded the reader to prioritize the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 2:5). Now he reminds us that the only true source of knowledge, wisdom, and understanding is the Lord Himself. If God is the storehouse of these wondrous gifts, and we have been encouraged to seek after them like great treasure, how can we obtain them? Here, the answer is simple: by seeking them from God. The underlying theme of these verses is a subtle sense of another virtuous characteristic: courage.

When the Bible provides encouragement, it often connects it to a command to persevere, or to be courageous. For instance, Hebrews 4:16 tells us to approach the throne of grace with confidence or boldness, after reassuring us that Christ understands our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Likewise, James 1:5–6 tells us to ask God, without doubting, for wisdom. Hebrews chapter 6 ends with a call to remember the example of Abraham, and the work of Christ, as we press forward beyond spiritual immaturity, in the face of persecution. As such, the Bible points out that real courage is something which comes from God, in response to God.

In a sense, "courage" can be considered an attribute of God, but it must be carefully defined. A.W. Tozer stated that "[God] does not possess [His attributes] as qualities; they are how God is as He reveals Himself to His creatures." Therefore, God does not display courage in the face of adversity, because no one can oppose Him. Rather, He is the perfect example of courage in that He acts boldly, without fear.
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