The Beginning of Wisdom

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;

    don’t rely on your own intelligence.

Know him in all your paths,

    and he will keep your ways straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

The beginning of wisdom:

Get wisdom!

    Get understanding before anything else.

Highly esteem her, and she will exalt you.

    She will honor you if you embrace her.

She will place a graceful wreath on your head;

    she will give you a glorious crown.” (Proverbs 4:7-9)

In these early chapters in Proverbs, we hear the voice of the author speaking to a younger mentee, possibly even a son.  Two introductory instructions are repeated often in different ways.  I have chosen the above references to illustrate them.

1. Trust in God for wisdom
2. Seek out wisdom actively

There is a certain kind of wisdom that emerges from simply paying attention to your life.  Over a very long period of time, if we are paying attention, we notice patterns in the ways of the world we live in and take those observations to heart in the way we speak and act.  But the author her is pushing us to go further than that.  Fundamentally, all wisdom is divine wisdom.  All wisdom therefore, is a diving gift.  Do the observations we make using our own intelligence line up with what we hear from God.  If not, there is a reason question it. 

                Which leads to #2.  We are invited and strongly encouraged to seek the wisdom of God.  The key word here is “seek.”  While the path of seeking wisdom looks different for everyone, we don’t travel it on accident.  It is an intentional journey. 

Questions: How do you distinguish your own thoughts from the wisdom of God?  What practices help you intentionally seek wisdom?

Prayer:  Lord, help me to recognize Your wisdom.  Show me the path You have laid our and give me the heart to seek it. 

Prayer:  Pray for people  in the path of storms today.

Song:  Perfect Wisdom of Our God – Keith & Kristyn Getty