Wise Up!

The book of Proverbs is written by Solomon and some others. By now, you should know that the main theme of Proverbs is Wisdom. The first 9 chapters of Proverbs talk about the need for Wisdom. Why Wisdom? What happens if you choose to reject wisdom? Very often, wisdom is personified as a woman crying out to God's people to receive her.

Proverbs 1: 5 says, "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance." while in 1:22 implores, "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?"

I used to think that wisdom was something that is good to have. Not everyone is wise. But somehow, if you are really blessed, and you have lots of experience and you are matured in your ways, you are considered wise. It struck me that wisdom is not just something good to have, but something that God wants ALL of us to have. In fact Proverbs tells us that if you reject wisdom, we will end up being overwhelmed by distress and trouble! Now that is really something to think about isn't it? While we often chase after the qualities of God like love, joy, humility, etc. How many of us actually make it a point to be filled with wisdom?

What exactly is wisdom then? Why does the author of Proverbs tell us that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom?" I like the way J.I. Packer in his book, "Knowing God" put it.

"In scripture, wisdom is a moral as well as an intellectual quality, more than mere intelligence or knowledge, just as it is more than mere cleverness and cunning. For us to be truly wise, in the Bible sense, our intelligence and cleverness must be harnessed to the right end. Wisdom is the power to see, and the inclination to choose, the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it.

Wisdom is in fact, the practical side of moral goodness. As such, it is found in its fullness only in God."

If true wisdom in its fullness comes from God, then our inspiration for such wisdom should be God himself. It is no wonder that are to have the fear of God! What does the fear of God have to do with wisdom? Well, much. Having the fear of the Lord can be translated as 'being totally preoccupied with what God thinks of us." It is not the kind of fear that causes intimidation, but one that drives us to seek His approval and His approval only.

O God, more wisdom for me please!