Proverbs: Biblical Wisdom for a Fortune Cookie WorldSample

Day 2:  Pursue, Embrace, and Apply Wisdom  

The opening chapter of Proverbs uses a metaphor of wisdom as a woman who stands calling out to anyone, and everyone, who will listen.  She tells of the sobering consequences for those who refuse to listen, will not pay attention, disregard her advice, and who will not accept her rebuke.  Clearly, wisdom is NOT something to take lightly, for the consequences of doing so are NOT pretty.  Conversely, subsequent chapters of the book go on to describe the benefits for those who WILL listen to, and follow Godly wisdom.  Proverbs tells us that by applying wisdom to our lives, God will be our shield and our guard.  He will protect us and save us from the wicked.  He will bless and reward.

How Are We to Respond?  

If we strive to be among those who will heed the warning laid out in wisdom’s address, we need to look more closely at this address to find the keys it provides.

Pursue Wisdom

With the understanding that the fear of the Lord is our beginning of knowledge, we need to pursue wisdom.  Proverbs tells us that process is initiated by first listening to wisdom.  However, sometimes finding wisdom is hard work.  One has to dig deeper to gain the knowledge needed to make wise decisions. Still, God will help us if we seek His assistance.

Next, we are instructed to pay attention.  It’s almost as if wisdom is saying, “Be on the lookout for me, because sometimes I will be found in some unlikely places!” So we need to be actively searching for wisdom and asking God to reveal His wisdom to us via the Holy Spirit.

Embrace Wisdom

Next, we need to embrace what wisdom says.  We do this by holding in high regard what wisdom suggests—even if that means altering our plans.  To hold someone or something in high regard, is to have respect for that person or thing.  So when God imparts His wisdom to us, we need to take notice and assign high value to that wisdom.

Apply Wisdom

Lastly, we are admonished to accept wisdom’s rebuke and then do something about it...specifically, repent!  In other words, there are times when we get off course and we do wrong.  During those times, God still loves us so much that He will discipline, correct, and yes, even rebuke us!  Wisdom tells us during those times, we need to accept correction and then change our action(s).

Notice that we not only need to gain and embrace wisdom, but we also need to APPLY it to our lives!  Until we put into practice what we learn, obtaining wisdom does little more than increase our knowledge.  By APPLYING the knowledge we have, we convert that knowledge into wisdom.

One definition of wisdom is, “the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right COUPLED with just judgement as to action.” In other words, wisdom is more than just KNOWING right, it is coupled with DOING right.

Focus for Today

Today, let us consider what role wisdom plays in our lives.  Are we pursuing and embracing wisdom?  Do we have daily time reading His word?  Are we actively asking God to impart His wisdom to us?  More importantly, are we applying that wisdom by putting it into action in our lives?