“Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.” — Proverbs 3:13-15
We find joy and understanding in wisdom. It’s also more profitable than gold and silver. And it’s more precious than rubies — NOTHING compares.
But where do we find this wisdom (spoken about in these proverbs)?
Proverbs 13 repeatedly contrasts wisdom and folly. It shows that wisdom leads to life, prosperity, and righteousness. On the other hand, foolishness results in destruction, poverty, and sin. With this in mind, where do we find this wisdom? This chapter gives us several ways:
1. By Listening to Wise Instruction
- “A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.”(Proverbs 13:1)
- Wisdom always comes from listening to those who are experienced, godly, and full of understanding. For example, this includes parents, mentors, and, most importantly, God’s Word.
2. By Walking with the Wise
- “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”(Proverbs 13:20)
- The people we surround ourselves with shape our thinking. Therefore, we should spend time with wise and godly individuals. It will naturally help us grow in discernment and understanding.
3. By Accepting Discipline and Correction
- “Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored.”(Proverbs 13:18)
- True wisdom comes when we are willing to be corrected and shaped by discipline. In particular, input from God, Scripture, or wise counsel.
4. By Seeking Righteousness and the Fear of the Lord
- “The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.”(Proverbs 13:14)
- The fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). A life focused on God and righteousness will surely lead to wisdom.
5. By Diligence and Hard Work
- “The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.” (Proverbs 13:4)
- Wisdom isn’t just about knowledge; it’s also about applying it through diligent effort. Laziness leads to ruin. By contrast, the diligent pursuit of wisdom leads to abundance.
Where Do We Find Wisdom?
- In God’s Word – The book of Proverbs is part of the Bible’s wisdom literature; it teaches us how to live wisely.
- Through Prayer – James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously.
- In the Counsel of the Righteous – Wise friends, mentors, and pastors can always provide godly insight.
- Through Life Experience – If we learn from our mistakes and seek God’s guidance, then we grow in wisdom.
In short, wisdom is found in listening, learning, and fearing the Lord. Equally important is accepting correction and living diligently in His ways.
A prayer for you this week is to find wisdom! Specifically, ask for guidance and direction. You need wisdom and insight for your life. True wisdom will forever help you to lead your family, your Small Group, be a good friend, and everything else!
Learning with you,
Posted in A Word from the Pastor