Seeking Wisdom
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” (Proverbs 3:13-17)
Here it says that wisdom and understanding are better than anything you can think of in the whole wide world. Imagine the thing you wanted most…. God says that having wisdom, understanding, and discretion is better than even that!
“Get wisdom… forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.” (Proverbs 4:5-13) God again says here that wisdom and understanding will deliver you and she shall be a crown of glory to you.
In these last few months God has taught me to heed instructions and listen. I like to talk and so God is teaching me to be discreet. When my brother was saying something that happened to him, and the story seemed lop-sided to me, I wanted to correct him. At that point I heard a little voice whisper to me, “You don’t have to correct what he’s saying. It doesn’t really matter that much.” I’m learning to pay attention to that voice and not talk when I don’t need to.
In 1 Kings God asked Solomon what he wanted and he answered, saying, “wisdom.” And God said that because he did not ask for riches or glory and fame, God gave him wisdom and also riches and glory. He was known to be the wisest man at his time. God is the one who gives us understanding, wisdom, and knowledge. So seek God on your own and ask Him and He will give you the desires of your heart.
I want to close with the following words: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God… and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)