Wisdom Seekers

Recently, an individual at the center asked me a question, “How do you grow in wisdom?”

Having been puzzled by this question in the past, I paused and then responded, “I’m not quite sure how to tell you, so I will remain silent until it comes to me.”

Much to my surprise the person I was speaking with quickly blurted out, “Of course! Remain silent until it comes to me. That’s great advice, thanks!”

Over the next several weeks I pondered the question further. Is wisdom something that is just granted? It seems that to some extent it is. Solomon asked for it when God offered him anything he wanted. That request was very pleasing to God. However as time passed, Solomon seemed to let wisdom escape him. So even though it was granted, it managed to slip away without a constant pursuit.

So how do we have wisdom granted? And what is involved in the constant pursuit?

Getting Started

Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 9:10).

This proverb has often been misunderstood as stating we are to be afraid of God; like we might be afraid of the dark. Our loving God does not want that at all. “Fear” in this instance means to “hold in awe and respect.” For example, I have a healthy respect for electricity. I am not afraid of it. However, I respect its power and do not play around with it.

To “fear” the Lord is to come to an understanding of who He is. With that comes an understanding of who we are in comparison; sinners who are separated from a holy God by a giant chasm that can only be crossed… by the cross. We are not born with these understandings. We must renew our minds to put this in perspective.

With a renewed mind we are now capable of receiving wisdom. That is why wisdom begins with a fear of the Lord.

The Pursuit

…search for wisdom as you would lost money or hidden treasure; then wisdom will be given to you (Prov 2:3-4).

The description here is to actively search for wisdom with intensity and purpose. Think about the mindset of simply looking for a lost set of keys. You will likely not be distracted. Food, water exercise and good looks no longer have your focus. You have one purpose and nothing else can have your attention until you have completed your mission.

But! Once the keys are found, life resumes it normal course. Perhaps this is the mistake Solomon made. He was satisfied with his level of Wisdom and stopped the pursuit.

If you study the eighth chapter of Proverbs you will find wisdom described as a living being that has existed since before creation. This chapter describes that we are to have a relationship with wisdom. We are to have an on-going, productive, give and take relationship that will provide much fulfillment. This is much like our on-going relationship with Christ.

So, renew your mind. Put in perspective who God is and who you are. Actively pursue an on-going relationship with wisdom and you will reap many rewards. But! Do not stop the pursuit. Much like any relationship, we must constantly work to keep it healthy.

Final Thoughts

Lastly, place your priorities in perspective. We all have a tendency to let insignificant things occupy our minds; the economy, our shortcomings or just keeping up with the neighbors. One aspect of a renewed mind is to understand what is truly important. The world is filled with people who seem to have it all, but would tell you in private they are completely unfulfilled and empty.

Only Godly wisdom can provide the perspective which makes all of these things meaningful. For further clarification on that topic… see the Book of Ecclesiastes.

Never stop seeking…