Today: Proverbs 8
Solomon gives voice to Wisdom in this chapter. We get to hear what Wisdom would say to us, and mostly it is to seek her.
How do we receive Wisdom? First, through God’s Word. It is our primary resource for getting Wisdom; God gave us Scripture so we might gain Wisdom and know how to live the way he wants us to live. He has the best life in mind for us (life to the full), and his Word is our guidebook to that life.
Second, we receive Wisdom by spending time with God daily. While his Word is our main resource, He is the true source of all Wisdom, as well as every other good thing. Spending time communicating–both listening and talking–with Him every day is vital.
Third, we receive Wisdom by hanging around with people who are also seeking God’s Wisdom. This is why the Bible talks so much about the importance of being in authentic community where we can spur each other on, encourage one another, pray for one another, and confess our sins to one another. God speaks to us and through us when we take our whole selves into this kind of community. This is why I love small groups!
I think we also receive Wisdom as we persevere through the dark valleys of our lives, but only if we do the three things shared above. Trials and perseverence in life are part of the environment where Wisdom comes.
James says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:2-5). The apostle Paul said that our sufferings bring perseverance and that perseverance leads eventually to character (Romans 5:3-4). Proverbs shows us that having Wisdom produces character in our lives. Wisdom for its own sake is meaningless.
What other ways do we receive Wisdom? Which of these three ways described obove do you need most?
