READ: Proverbs 1:7, 2:6, 8:22, 9:10
Where does wisdom come from? If one were to take a trip to a bookstore, whether a
physical location or online, they would discover many self-help books. If a person were
then to read all the books on one topic, they would be overwhelmed by both the quantity
of material and the clear contradictions between various authors. Certainly some wisdom
could be found – without a doubt! However, even this wisdom would be from the same
source of all wisdom, the source that the book of Proverbs suggests is the best place to go.
Where does wisdom come from then? From God.
Wisdom herself declares, “the LORD possessed me at the beginning of His work . . .” (8:22).
Elsewhere in Proverbs we’re told – “for the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth
come knowledge and understanding (2:6).” We must recognize that all truth and wisdom
come from God. As our Creator, God knows how things operate! It’s why in the book of Proverbs we’ll find incredibly practical advice on how to approach the very real things of
life that we face. To the extent that we walk in His ways, we’ll do well, in spite of difficult
circumstances.
Of course, many have simply tried to take some of the wisdom found in the Bible, apply it,
yet actually ignore the Author of the wisdom. They may experience some blessing due to
this, but the truly wise person will have a relationship with this God, or using the language
of Proverbs, they’ll have a relationship with wisdom. In God’s eyes these two things are
equal! To know some truth or wise thoughts, but not know God, is not wisdom. Listen to
what Proverbs says, “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge . . . (1:7)” and,
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is
understanding (9:10).” Life is full of twists and turns, trials and temptations. We need much
more than some truth. We need Someone who can continue to teach us AND give us the
power to live according to His Word, including the words found in Proverbs.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1. Spend some time thinking about how much knowledge the world has . . . Write
down where all this knowledge is found – i.e. libraries. Then spend some time writing
down some of the evil and troubles in the world. Through this, we see a great divide
between the presence of knowledge and how people actually live.
2. Ask God – how well do You know me? Since wisdom flows from knowing Him and His
Word, allow Him to speak about your relationship. Just as a husband and wife need
to regularly evaluate their relationship, we are wise when we do the same in our
relationship with God.
