“The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.”
Proverbs 1:7, Amplified Bible Classic
Wisdom is a precious commodity that should be highly prized. Of all the things one may possess in this life, nothing compares to its value. The world's relentless pursuit of wealth fuels all industry and economies, yet for many, the simple knowledge of God—which is the very definition of wisdom—is held in low esteem. We strive tirelessly for money, which is temporary, while treating wisdom, which is eternal and more precious than gold, as an afterthought.
Wisdom is much like patience: it is earned, often through much hardship, and must be diligently mined, much as one would smelt precious metals in a crucible. The core place where true wisdom can be found is in God's Word. Thus, a simple biblical definition of Wisdom is having knowledge of the true and living God.
“The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10, Amplified Bible Classic
This beginning point, the Fear of the Lord, is not terror, but a deep reverence and awe that establishes the correct order of priorities: God first. This attitude is what makes us receptive to His truth. A diligent seeker will mine and seek out this understanding through persistent and regular study of the Word. Wisdom is gained in this way, but it holds little value until we treasure it and store it up within ourselves so that it can be put into practice.
Wisdom put into practice is what makes it so valuable, and practiced wisdom is displayed as Godly character in action. When we reorder our priorities according to what we learn from God, we demonstrate that we have acquired biblical wisdom, and we immediately enjoy its benefits. As Jesus said:
“Yet wisdom is vindicated (shown to be true and divine) by all her children [by their life, character, and deeds].” (Luke 7:35, Amplified Bible Classic)
And further emphasizing this connection between nature and demonstration:
“For there is no good (healthy) tree that bears decayed (worthless, stale) fruit, nor on the other hand does a decayed (worthless, sickly) tree bear good fruit. For each tree is known and identified by its own fruit...”
Luke 6:43-44, Amplified Bible Classic
Therefore, wisdom is an essential element of an abundant life of obedience. Without it, we cannot know God, make sound choices, or ultimately please Him. Wisdom will guard our life, our very lives and our families, and is a much more secure blessing than any bank account can ever offer.
If wisdom is defined as the knowledge of God, then pursuing it must be a solemn and serious enterprise. It must be sought diligently, with as much effort and determination as one can apply. We should view this pursuit as important as preserving our very lives, for it truly is. As the prophet Jeremiah declared:
“Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. [Deut. 4:29-30.]”
Jeremiah 29:13, Amplified Bible Classic
Wisdom is gained by much effort and a hard struggle, but in the end, it is wonderful, useful, and intensely practical to its owner. It is the backbone and guiding principle behind all the ways of God, a defining attribute of the abundant life in Christ, and it is absolutely essential.
Proverbs 1:7, Amplified Bible Classic
Wisdom is a precious commodity that should be highly prized. Of all the things one may possess in this life, nothing compares to its value. The world's relentless pursuit of wealth fuels all industry and economies, yet for many, the simple knowledge of God—which is the very definition of wisdom—is held in low esteem. We strive tirelessly for money, which is temporary, while treating wisdom, which is eternal and more precious than gold, as an afterthought.
Wisdom is much like patience: it is earned, often through much hardship, and must be diligently mined, much as one would smelt precious metals in a crucible. The core place where true wisdom can be found is in God's Word. Thus, a simple biblical definition of Wisdom is having knowledge of the true and living God.
“The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10, Amplified Bible Classic
This beginning point, the Fear of the Lord, is not terror, but a deep reverence and awe that establishes the correct order of priorities: God first. This attitude is what makes us receptive to His truth. A diligent seeker will mine and seek out this understanding through persistent and regular study of the Word. Wisdom is gained in this way, but it holds little value until we treasure it and store it up within ourselves so that it can be put into practice.
Wisdom put into practice is what makes it so valuable, and practiced wisdom is displayed as Godly character in action. When we reorder our priorities according to what we learn from God, we demonstrate that we have acquired biblical wisdom, and we immediately enjoy its benefits. As Jesus said:
“Yet wisdom is vindicated (shown to be true and divine) by all her children [by their life, character, and deeds].” (Luke 7:35, Amplified Bible Classic)
And further emphasizing this connection between nature and demonstration:
“For there is no good (healthy) tree that bears decayed (worthless, stale) fruit, nor on the other hand does a decayed (worthless, sickly) tree bear good fruit. For each tree is known and identified by its own fruit...”
Luke 6:43-44, Amplified Bible Classic
Therefore, wisdom is an essential element of an abundant life of obedience. Without it, we cannot know God, make sound choices, or ultimately please Him. Wisdom will guard our life, our very lives and our families, and is a much more secure blessing than any bank account can ever offer.
If wisdom is defined as the knowledge of God, then pursuing it must be a solemn and serious enterprise. It must be sought diligently, with as much effort and determination as one can apply. We should view this pursuit as important as preserving our very lives, for it truly is. As the prophet Jeremiah declared:
“Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. [Deut. 4:29-30.]”
Jeremiah 29:13, Amplified Bible Classic
Wisdom is gained by much effort and a hard struggle, but in the end, it is wonderful, useful, and intensely practical to its owner. It is the backbone and guiding principle behind all the ways of God, a defining attribute of the abundant life in Christ, and it is absolutely essential.
