Reading through Proverbs is something I enjoy doing. King Solomon was the wisest man that lived, and his observations in life still work for today. When he became king, he was overwhelmed with the thought of the responsibilities that came with that status, and asked God for wisdom. Because he asked for wisdom instead of anything else, God rewarded him with an abundance of wisdom, and with everything else a man could desire.
So often I get caught in the trap of thinking that wisdom results in success and money. It is something that I find ingrained into my idea of what success is. Yet, some of the wisest people I have met aren’t successful in the monetary sense…and some really successful people aren’t exactly wise, and that’s easy to see when you read about them in the media. Is wisdom something that is relevant for today? Do we really know what it is? Is it “book smarts” or “street smarts”?
So, what is wisdom?
“My son, do not forget my law, But let your heart keep my commands; For length of days and long life And peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.
My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights. Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her. The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens; By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew. My son, let them not depart from your eyes— Keep sound wisdom and discretion; So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck.” (Proverbs 3:1-22 NKJV)
So, King Solomon says that wisdom means trusting The Lord with everything you have, and everything you are. When we trust in The Lord, He will direct us in the direction we should go. Our lives will be full of peace in the knowledge that we don’t need to lean on our own understanding…and He will be all the wisdom we need.
Following Jesus = wisdom! Can it be that simple?
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