The Wisdom That is Available

By Dean Collins

What do you want for your children? While our answers may vary some on certain things, I imagine we may want many common things for our kids: 

- To know and feel that they are loved

- To experience good health

- To have healthy relationships with their family and friends

- To discover their given purpose in life

- To come to know God’s love and to have a relationship with him through Jesus

The first few chapters of Proverbs are written in the style and tone of a father writing to his children. These chapters contain a passionate plea for the father’s children to understand how foundational it is to gain Godly wisdom. This wisdom is of great value, more precious than silver or gold. This wisdom is available to all who pursue it. While God’s wisdom is offered in abundance, it must be pursued and then utilized if we want to realize all of the blessings of this great gift.

In chapter four, we hear a plea to pay attention if we want to gain insight. We don’t just stumble into wisdom; we must keep our eyes, ears, and heart open to the wisdom that God offers by his Spirit, through his word, and through the godly counsel of mature followers of Christ. As we read the father’s instructions, we discover there are many benefits that come from gaining and maintaining wisdom:

“When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.”

But the father also gives us warnings concerning places where we should not go: “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil. Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and pass on.” In the coming chapters of Proverbs, we discover many specific people and circumstances to avoid, and even run from, in order to not get caught in the snares set by the enemy.

It is clear from these early chapters of Proverbs that getting wisdom and living wisely is not instant. While God can and sometimes does send us a quick answer in a moment of need, the book of Proverbs is clear that experiencing lifelong wisdom requires lifelong effort. We must keep our heart with vigilance if we are to experience the constant flow of life that comes from heavenly springs. And we must keep our eyes on the right paths over the many enticing side trails the world has to offer.

If we are honest, we know that there are many voices and paths that are attractive and seem adjacent to the wisdom of God. And we have all fallen for the false advertising of many messages from the world. Getting older doesn't always make one wiser. To grow in wisdom takes not only years but also diligence in our years to stay focused on God’s wisdom and God’s kingdom. 

So today, Father, we ask for your wisdom to give us clear vision and discerning ears to know the paths we are to follow and to recognize the voice of the shepherd who offers to lead us today and all the way to eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Your Time with God’s Word
Proverbs 4:1-27 ESV

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