Wisdom personified is portrayed in this chapter of Proverbs as calling out to us as people. Wisdom’s message is a passionate appeal to take the path of insight through God’s revealed will. “Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.” Wisdom in Scripture is the ability to apply God’s Word to concrete situations in our lives. In our day to day lives, choosing to listen to wisdom and follow her instructions is vital to experiencing success in the Christian walk.
The fact of the matter for too many people is this: we are too impatient to let wisdom teach us her ways. Idolatry and running after other gods often results from the inability to wait on the lessons that wisdom wants to impart. Wisdom is not something that is gained quickly; her teachings must be learned slowly with careful application over time. We are much too prone to finding simple solutions to complex problems. But wisdom calls us to leave such simplistic thinking and take the high road.
Rather than rush to Google for answers to our questions; instead of allowing another person to make decisions for us; in place of implementing sheer pragmatic plans, allow wisdom to penetrate the mind and heart so that what comes out is thoroughly godly and biblical. Where is the place to start? “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” There is no substitute to committing oneself to the regular and daily regimen of reading God’s Holy Word, and seeking to put it into practice.
All-Wise God, the One who is never in a hurry, create in me a wise mind and heart. Help me to sit still long enough for wisdom to bring biblical and spiritual maturity to my life, through Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Rev. Tim Ehrhardt 