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Wisdom's Call
“Does not wisdom call and understanding lift up her voice?” Proverbs 8:1(NASB)
“I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.” Proverbs 8:17, 18(NASB)
“For wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her.” Proverbs 8:11( NASB)
In addition to our desire for knowledge, we desire and pursue security, honor/respect, longevity and prosperity. There are many books, manuals and DVDs on how to attain these goals by proposing various formulas and ideas. Much of this advice we may find helpful, causing us to make healthy lifestyle changes and view our lives differently.
However, how many of us reach our desired goals following these principles and/or formulas? How many of us are able to stay with these principles over the long haul? How is it that the authors were able to arrive at these ideas and stick with them to the place of achieving and maintaining their goals? Many of us, like a rubber band, snap back to our old comfort zones, frustrated that once again we find ourselves far from achieving our desired goals.
After studying the book of Proverbs, I realized that all the information that has its basis in truth has one basic origin. It is wisdom. Wisdom is made available to all and offers benefits to all who will embrace it. Before we can fully appreciate wisdom’s benefits, we must embrace its trustworthiness and value. In this article, therefore, we will explore the origin, the accessibility and the benefits of wisdom.
Wisdom’s Origin
First of all, we are told in Proverbs 8:22 that wisdom existed with God before anything was made. The passage describes how wisdom was utilized in every facet of creation and rejoiced in the beauty of it (Proverbs 8:23-31). Scientists never cease to be amazed as, year after year, they discover more and more of the wonders of nature, the human body and the universe. Wisdom’s track record, therefore, is that of precision, perfection and reliability. So then, wisdom is something that can be trusted based on experience and longevity.
Wisdom’s Accessibility
The next thing we must realize is that wisdom makes itself available to all and desires to be utilized. Proverbs 8:1 cited above says that “wisdom calls.” Proverbs 8:32 describes wisdom saying, “listen to me.” Wisdom is portrayed at various times as calling at the gates and the heights of the city and at the crossroads to those who are naïve and lacking in understanding (Proverbs 1:20; 8:2-5; 9:1-6).
In the previous article, we observed that the invitation is extended for those who lack wisdom to ask of God Who gives liberally (James 1:5,6). Well, that is just one side of the coin. The other side of the coin is the fact that wisdom desires and is eager to be known. That is why God gives it liberally to those who ask. It is in the “DNA” of wisdom to be known and embraced. Grasping this concept would fuel the faith necessary to receive wisdom. Proverbs teaches that when we earnestly seek wisdom, it will lead us to the fear of the Lord for that’s where wisdom begins (Proverbs 2:4-5; 9:10). God is the true source of wisdom. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. He stores up sound wisdom for the upright…” (Proverbs 2:6-7a).
Wisdom’s Benefits
Lastly, wisdom offers the benefits that many of us seek. Some of the benefits are as follows:
1) Understanding (Proverbs 4:5);
2) Protection (Proverbs 4:6);
3) Exaltation and Honor (Proverbs 4:8);
4) Grace and Beauty (Proverbs 4:9);
5) Secure Footing in Life’s Journey (4:12);
6) Life and Favor (Proverbs 4:22; 8:35);
7) Riches and Honor, Enduring Wealth and Righteousness (8:18,21);
8) Source of Counsel, Sound Wisdom, Understanding, Power and Justice (8:14-16);
9) SecureLife, Free From the Fear of Evil (1:33); and
10) Deliverance From Evil (2:12).
As you can see, all that we would desire in life can be achieved by seeking and embracing wisdom. Solomon obviously understood this when he became king. God invited Solomon to ask what he wanted God to give him. Solomon could have asked for riches, fame and longevity but he didn’t. He asked for wisdom and understanding to rightly judge and rule the people. This delighted the heart of God so that He made Solomon the wisest man of all time and gave him untold riches and honor (1 Kings 3:5-14).
Application
Instead of seeking the things we desire in this life, let us go to the source of all things and seek God for wisdom and understanding. Seek in faith and embrace the guidance He gives us. It is not a one-time thing but something we must draw on daily as we move through life’s journey. We tap into this wisdom by meditating on the word of God (Colossians 3:16; Joshua 1:8) and the promise remains – “then you will make your way prosperous, then you will have great success” (Joshua 1:8). Let’s pray.
Prayer
“Dear Lord God, thank You for giving me everything I need for “life and godliness.” I acknowledge You as my source for the fulfillment of every God-given dream and provision for every need. I acknowledge my need for Your Divine wisdom. I confess that I have looked to man and to myself for direction and strategies. I now yield my heart and my life to You and receive Your wisdom and understanding for every aspect of my life. As I commit myself to meditate on Your word, I thank You for giving me insight and understanding. Thank You for Your love and for Your help. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”
(Note: All Scriptures are from the NASB version.)
Copyright © 2008-2015 Shermaine Jones
Reader Comments...
| 2011-09-05 12:44:01 "Thank you for the wonderful insights. These are truly words to live by. In fact, they should be read daily as a reminder of what we should be seeking on an on-going basis in order to live a more fulfilled and prosperous life in the Lord. Prosperity being spiritual insight opposed to material possessions. Wanda " - Wanda |
| 2011-04-03 09:42:17 "My oh my...you are a soaked sponge...freely dripping-out the Lord's Word. Thank you again, Shermaine. This time I'm going to use your article as a mini Bible study for my children." - Cindy |
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