I have met people who know the scriptures well, are able to list off biblical facts and are even able to recite a vast array of scriptures but they are dangerous to themselves and others. Why? Because they do not live the truths out. Instead they throw them at other people to impress them, put others down or use them as an offensive defense. Beware of people who use God’s truth for their own gain instead of the Kingdom’s.
Where we live, wild blackberry vines grow with very big, sharp thorns. These thorns will do great damage to the person who is not careful around them. The picture I imagine from this proverb is a man who has grabbed a hold of one of the blackberry vines and is swinging it around his head at others not even realizing that the sharp thorns are cutting into his own hands. When he slows the vine down it ends up wrapping around himself cutting into his skin.
This proverb is not saying that wisdom hurts people but rather if it is not used for the purpose it was given it can do much damage. Similar to a sharp knife, it’s a safe and helpful tool if used correctly and for the right purpose. A chef would want a sharp knife to cut with as he would not have to put as much pressure on the food being prepared. That same knife, unfortunately, could be used to intentionally hurt a person.
One of the keys to using wisdom in a safe and correct way is to first start with fearing God. If it’s taken out of the context of obeying and honoring God then it will eventually end up hurting everyone.
Consider why you follow and speak God’s Wisdom. Is it for the right reason? Does it encourage you and others in drawing closer to the King or is it for your own desires?