Wisdom Is for You

Reading Psalm 111:10, we can see that out of the fear of the Lord grows wisdom. And Proverbs 1:7 shows us that the fear of the Lord grows knowledge. `The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction`.

What is the ‘fear of the Lord’? From several online dictionaries, I have learnt the following: Fear of the Lord means the same as awe, reverence, esteem, respect, and deep admiration for God, because of how exalted God is above everyone and everything. To Him we want to bow down and worship, we want to do His will and organise our lives around His purposes.

But I want to focus on wisdom. It is the ability to judge and act well and correctly in all life`s circumstances.

In Proverbs 8 we read that wisdom actually calls out to us, and wisdom is personified as a woman. She stands ‘at the highest point’, in a high position where she can be heard by kings and leaders, but at the same time ‘along the way’, where normal people walk; ‘where the paths meet’, that means at the points of our lives when we make decisions, when we can choose to walk down one path or the other. But wisdom does not force herself upon us. She stands ‘beside` the gate leading into the city’, that is where the elders of old had their meetings, to judge, to witness business transactions, and to settle disputes.

Yet, wisdom does not obstruct the path, she gives us free choice to stop and listen to her. She ‘cries’ out when we undertake a new endeavour, and it is up to us to take on board what she is advising. Nevertheless, we are strongly encouraged to do so. There is the promise that those who seek wisdom, will find her, which reminds us of what Jesus said about Himself.

`Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them”`  (John 14:23).

And in the same way Proverbs 8 emphasises that those who find wisdom, will ‘find life’ and ‘favour from the Lord’. Meanwhile, ‘those who fail to find’ her, will ‘harm themselves’ and ‘love death’.

When I was young, I thought wisdom was not for everyone. In my understanding, it was only present in some people, especially in older people who had learned from their life experiences. I also perceived it as a gift some people were born with.

But from these Bible verses I learned it is available to everyone! And it is not a special gift some people have, and others do not.

Young people can also make wise decisions. We can all grow in wisdom and knowledge by reading God's Word and basing our life decisions on His truth.