Seek wisdom. Ask the LORD for it. Why is having wisdom so vitally important?
Proverbs 2:2-5 (NLT) instructs us:
“Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God.”
We learn skills, we get educated. We can accumulate all the knowledge that this world provides. But we need to find a centre. We need something that integrates our learning, giving focus to it. Ultimately, this leads to maturity as individuals.
Wisdom gives us this centre. It brings focus and integration to all our learning and education. And as we grow in life and spiritual maturity, there is a longing in us for depth of character, understanding and skill to our work and our relationships. The text in Proverbs tells us that the key to this is wisdom.
Wisdom is not so much about comprehending abstract principles or scientific theories or profound truths. It is the capacity to respond to the developments and things around us with strength. It is about having the skills and ability to embrace change and new challenges in life. It is to become mature emotionally and spiritually through setbacks and disappointments. It is being able to see beyond all these and look to God as our Heavenly Father who ceaselessly loves, protects and provides for us.
Wisdom is such a precious “treasure” because it leads us to gaining the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:5)
The Bible tells us that it is the LORD who gives wisdom. And especially for those who are “upright” and whose walk is “blameless”.
“For the LORD gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.” (Proverbs 2: 6 – 8 NIV)
The pursuit of wisdom should be an integral part of our life’s goal. Just as we would strive for knowledge, success and significance in our lives, even more should we seek to gain wisdom. Age is no barrier to wisdom, because it is the LORD who grants wisdom. Pray and ask the LORD to give each of us His wisdom.
But it starts with us taking the first step:
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10) To fear or revere and honour our LORD in all aspects of our life is true wisdom, and the hallmark of a true disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ.
By Andrew Yap, Deacon (YCKC Bulletin 27&28 April 2013)