Wisdom

Wisdom is one of the most valuable things we can possess, yet we can’t purchase it with a credit card or a personal check. James 1:5-6 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God for it and he will generously give it to us, if we truly believe that he will give it to us. Wisdom is obviously something that God wants us to possess because it protects us. I think about my own children and how I long for them to make good decisions so that they will bear the fruit of those good decisions. My children are at crucial ages in which the decisions they make could affect them for the rest of their lives. Our Heavenly Father looks out for us in the same way, but with even more love and compassion than we have for our earthly children.
I love reading the words of Solomon. At one time in his life he could have asked God for anything—riches, wealth, fame, etc. However, he chose to ask God for wisdom. God was so pleased with his request that he granted Solomon undeniable wisdom that we still read about today. As I have read through the book of Proverbs, I have been reminded of all of the benefits of wisdom. Here are just a few of the things that make wisdom so valuable:

• We will gain knowledge and a fear of the Lord (Prov. 1:7
• We will gain understanding (Prov. 2:6)
• Discretion will protect us (Prov. 2:11)
• Wisdom will save us from wicked men (Prov. 2:12)
• Our paths will be made straight (Prov. 3:6)
• It will bring health to our bodies and nourishment to our bones (Prov. 3:8)
• We will be blessed (Prov. 3:13)
• We will walk in peace (Prov. 3:17)
• We will go on in safety (Prov. 3:23)
• Our sleep will be sweet (Prov. 3:24)
• We will not fear sudden disaster and ruin
Solomon refers to wisdom in “female” form in Proverbs 4. He restates the value of wisdom in this chapter. In his words to his son, he says: “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor…When you walk your steps will not be hampered; when you run you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction; do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. ..My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. Do not let them out of your sight, and keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life…” (Prov. 4: 10-23)
Oh Lord, give us wisdom so that we may enjoy the benefits that it brings. Thank you for generously giving wisdom to us when we ask for it. You are infinitely wise and your resources are available to us! We praise you for wisdom and the quality of life that it brings. Help us to trust in you with all of our hearts; to not lean on our own understanding; to acknowledge you in all our ways so that you will make our paths straight!
“For the LORD gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Prov. 2:6)