Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors: “To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things; for my mouth will speak truth; wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, and right to those who find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold; for wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.”
Wisdom stands where everyone passes by and can find her: the top of the high hill, on the paths, where the paths meet, at the entry gates and doors of the city. She calls to everyone, yet it seems there are very few wise people around. Why? One key is given in this passage: “Listen”. Wisdom is not gained because wisdom is not listened to. There are a multitude of reasons for this, but they all come down to the same basic reason: desire. A person does not listen to wisdom because he does not desire wisdom.
Make no mistake, if wisdom wanted, she can be had. Verse 17 clearly states that those who seek wisdom diligently will find her. Ultimately, the desire for other things results in time spent on those things. This is foolish because wisdom is more valuable that silver, gold, and rubies. In fact, wisdom is more valuable than everything you can possibly desire. Yet, many Christian remain fools because their eyes lust after the things of this world. Wisdom describes her speech as excellent, right, not wicked, righteous, and truthful. She then states that her words are plain to him who understands, i.e. wisdom is plain to those whose hearts have embraced her. Wisdom is available to the simple and to fools, if only they will seek her and embrace her.
The question then comes to you. Are you wise? If not, remember that only you are preventing yourself from becoming wise.
Here are 10 steps for seeking wisdom:
- Fear the Lord, for that is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10; 15:33)
- Ask God for wisdom with the belief that He will give it. (Psalm 90:12; James 1:5-7)
- Seek wisdom relentlessly. Make it the priority of your life. (Proverbs 2:1-9; 18:15; 19:20)
- Learn and obey God’s commands and the commands of Christ. (Deuteronomy 4:1-6; Proverbs 10:8; 28:7; Matt. 6:33)
- Have an attitude of humility (Proverbs 3:7; 11:2; 15:33; 22:17; Romans 12:16; Luke 14:8-11)
- Accept discipline and correction (Proverbs 9:8; 12:15; 15:31; 17:10)
- Walk with the wise (Proverbs 13:20; 22:17; 27:17)
- Fear and depart from evil (Proverbs 3:7; 14:16)
- Abstain from alcohol (Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; 31:4; Isaiah 28:7; Hosea 4:11)
- Control your tongue (Proverbs 10:19; 17:27; 29:11; James 1:19; 3:2)
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Related Scriptures: Proverbs 1:20-33; 2:1-22; 6:1-19; 9:1-18
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“A prudent question is one half of wisdom.” – Francis Bacon
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