The value of wisdom
“Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles.” Proverbs 1:5-6
Proverbs is a book written by Solomon, the son of David. The Bible says that Solomon loved God and walked in the statutes of his father, David (1 Kings 3:3). In that passage, God appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked Solomon what he wanted. Solomon remembers God's faithfulness to his father, but is also aware that he young (Solomon was probably 30 or younger). He could have asked for anything in the world, but he decides to ask for "an understanding mind to govern your (God's) people." (1 Kings 3:9).
What would you have asked the Lord for? More wishes? Money? Fame? Solomon saw the value of wisdom above other earthly amenities.
Can you hear it?
“Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks” Proverbs 1:20-21
Sometimes it can feel like wisdom is hiding. A quick look on the internet just might confirm that we are lacking in understanding and wisdom. But, wisdom is not hiding; Wisdom is not far away. In fact, Solomon says that wisdom is right at the front of the city crying out in the noisy street. I don't know about you, but I think we can all identify with a noisy street, right? We are bombarded by ads, articles, and opinions on a daily basis. In fact, researchers estimate that we see around 5,000 ads each and every day. Wisdom is here, but it's calling out from the midst of the noise.
So, what do we do? How do we hear wisdom through the noise of our world? We listen and we pause to hear the voice of wisdom. Proverbs 1:33 says, "Whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster." Did you get that last part? Solomon says that we well be at ease and without dream. Wisdom brings clarity and peace, and the message of wisdom is for all people. The requirement to gain wisdom is to fear the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) and to listen. Is that easy? Hardly. But I hope you can see the clarity that Proverbs is offering when it comes to gaining wisdom and following God. Wisdom is not a coded message or a rabbit-hole that you need to journey through. There is no Cheshire Cat offering cryptic messages or a riddle that must be solved to get through the next door. Wisdom is available to anyone who will pause in the middle of the noisy street and just listen to words she has to share.
Reflect and Respond
Want to go deeper today? Read Proverbs 1:20-33 and see the difference that listening to (and applying) wisdom can have on your life. Maybe you could even make a list of the blessings of the wise versus the curses of the fool. Take a few minutes to pray and ask God to reveal what is good and true so you can follow Him and find wisdom in the days ahead.