Are You Ready for Wisdom?

From the time I was quite young I was taught that wisdom could be defined as “knowledge applied.” I accepted this brief definition without reservation. Now, I am quite sure it is too brief and easily misunderstood.

• “Knowledge applied” easily focuses too much on man’s intellect.
• “Knowledge applied” easily focuses too much on man.
• “Knowledge applied” easily gives the impression that just about anybody can possess wisdom.

Yet Solomon wrote:

   He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; 
   He is a shield to those who walk in integrity.
   --Proverbs 2:7

A lot of folks pursue wisdom in one way or another. However, wisdom is not given to everyone. God gives to the upright person, that is, the one who lives according to His instruction.

Drawing from Proverbs 2, consider wisdom from God’s perspective. The first few verses identifies the kind of individual that will receive His wisdom.

God looks for those who will listen, who have a willing attitude of the heart:
   Make your ear attentive to wisdom, 
   Incline your heart to understanding. (v. 2)

God listens for those who call out for wisdom:
   For if you cry for discernment, 
   Lift your voice for understanding. (v. 3)

God looks for those who make a diligent search for the treasure of wisdom:
   If you seek her as silver, 
   And search for her as for hidden treasures. (v. 4)

The search for wisdom results in reverence toward God and the knowledge of God:
   Then you will discern the fear of the LORD,
   And discover the knowledge of God. (v. 5)

God himself is the source of wisdom; man is not able to obtain or attain true wisdom on his own:
   For the LORD gives wisdom; 
   From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. (v. 6)

So, God does not give his wisdom to just anyone, but only to those who strive to live according to His instruction:
   He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; 
   He is a shield to those who walk in integrity. (v. 7)

• Do not think that you can gain God’s wisdom by your efforts alone.
• Do not think that by merely reading the scripture wisdom will be poured into your mind.
• Do not think that by merely applying biblical knowledge that you are wise.
• Do not think that you have or will gain the true wisdom of  God if you are not living according to God's love and holiness.

Do you truly desire God’s wisdom?
Then ask yourself, "Have I prepared myself for wisdom?"