"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."

Proverbs 2:1-2, 5

Wisdom, says Proverbs, is like silver, or hidden treasure (v. 4). Wisdom has at least two connotations.

First, wisdom is extremely valuable. Essential for making beneficial choices or knowing what to do in perplexing situations, it is a treasure of inestimable worth.

Second, hidden treasure does not give up its rewards unless we search for it diligently. We all know that mining can be an extremely perilous and difficult enterprise in our own day. Wisdom, then, like silver or hidden treasure, is of great value and is worthy of our very best efforts to attain it.

The wisdom of the book of Proverbs is a certain kind of wisdom. It involves ‘what is right and just and fair’ (v. 9). This wisdom comes from God (v. 6), from seeking God, and following in God’s ways. The wisdom taught by Proverbs issues in a ‘good life’, made known by ‘deeds done in…humility’. According to James, this ‘wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere’ (James 3:17). It may look to all the world like foolishness, but it is ‘wiser than human wisdom’ and is worth seeking with every fiber of our being.

CLOSING PRAYER

I am grateful for the wisdom offered to me in your Word, Lord God. Holy Spirit, help me to grow in my understanding and be eager to apply it in ways that benefit others.

(edited from Encounter with God)