In our quest for wisdom, we will explore the Book of Proverbs. Before diving in, let’s take a moment to reflect on the question: what is wisdom? For many, wisdom is often seen as synonymous with knowledge or simply being wise.
Wisdom resembles a well-tended garden. Just as a garden thrives with careful nurturing, wisdom flourishes through cultivating knowledge, experience, and thoughtful reflection. Without the proper attention, both can easily become cluttered with the weeds of confusion and ignorance.
Esteemed leaders within our faith define wisdom as living and thinking in harmony with God’s truth, purpose, and design. It is about putting God’s truths into practice in our daily lives and facing life’s challenges through a divine perspective.
The Book of Proverbs is a rich source of insight and guidance, traditionally attributed to multiple authors, with King Solomon credited for much of its content. Early in his reign, Solomon exemplified extraordinary humility by seeking wisdom from God. He earnestly asked for a discerning heart to govern God’s people and to discern right from wrong. This pivotal moment is recounted in 1 Kings 3:1-15, where God grants him the wisdom he sought, setting the stage for a reign characterized by understanding and justice.
In Chapter 1:1-7, we discover the purpose and theme of Proverbs: “For gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.” (Proverbs 2-6 NIV)
Proverbs 1:8-15 provides crucial instructions and warnings. “Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck. My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them. If they say, ‘Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless soul; let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; cast lots with us; we will all share the loot’—my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood.”
Let’s unpack these verses. I love how verse eight offers a personal instruction to children. It urges us to listen to our fathers and value our mothers’ teachings. We are not only encouraged to heed our parents’ advice but also to put it into practice. Sadly, not everyone has had the privilege of growing up with their parents or receiving similar guidance. Yet, regardless of our circumstances, we have a loving Heavenly Father who cares deeply for our well-being. He truly is a Father to the fatherless.
Following this, the text cautions us to steer clear of bad company and be wary of peer pressure. The world tells us, “Don’t wait for what you want; just go after it.” This sentiment echoes lessons my father and late husband often shared with us: “Two things I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor your name.” (Proverbs 30:7-9 NIV)
When temptation arises, it not only affects our decisions but also influences those around us, especially our loved ones. Verse 15 cautions us to steer clear of the wrong path; however, wisdom encourages us to look further down that road to discern where it truly leads. The world will continuously present us with easier, more alluring options that can lead us astray.
Consider the moment when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness. The devil attempted to offer Him an easy escape—a shortcut. Knowing that Jesus was hungry, he urged Him to turn stones into bread. Yet, Jesus, being God, understood better. He was filled with wisdom. It’s important to note that wisdom isn’t something acquired overnight; it comes from knowing God, immersing ourselves in His Word, and obeying it.
In Proverbs 1:20-23, wisdom calls out to people, inviting them back to God. This call is a covenant one: “Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make known to you my teachings.” Essentially, this is an invitation to listen to God, who promises to care for us in return. That doesn’t imply that we won’t face trials and tribulations in this life. We will encounter challenges, but God has promised to be with us through them. When we intentionally make choices that go against God’s will, regrets can creep in like poison, replaying in our minds and taking root, making it difficult to break free.
I speak from experience. I’ve faced my share of wrong choices that held me captive for years. But I am grateful for the cross, for Jesus and His finished work. If it weren’t for God’s unfailing love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace, where would I be? Are you familiar with the song “Were it not for Grace” by Larnelle Harris? If not, I encourage you to listen to its lyrics, as they beautifully capture God’s love and grace for all of us.
Friends, being intelligent, holding multiple titles, or amassing wealth will never bring true satisfaction. These things are temporary, whereas God’s love, mercy, and grace are everlasting. Without God, everything else is ultimately meaningless. So, as we wrap up today’s discussion, let me leave you with this question: “Is wisdom knocking on the door of your heart? If so, how long will you choose to ignore it, or will you open your heart and welcome it in? The choice is yours.”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for Your unwavering love, boundless mercy, unwavering faithfulness, and incredible grace. Thank You for relentlessly pursuing us, reaching out with open arms, and for the precious gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Lord, as I reflect on my life and realize how lost I would be without Your guiding love and grace. Without You, I would be aimlessly wandering, seeking fulfillment in all the wrong places, finding myself in endless cycles of disappointment. I would be voicing empty words without purpose, desperately trying to atone for the multitude of sins that weigh me down.
Yet, in Your infinite wisdom, You, Lord Jesus, understood that there was nothing I could do to earn my salvation. Without your intervention, I would remain lost forever. Your profound love saved me; Your mercy and the completed work on the cross tore down the barrier that separated me from my Heavenly Father. Because of You, Jesus, I can approach my Father’s throne with confidence, knowing that through You, I have been made righteous in His eyes.
Please, Lord, remind me each day of my true identity and of Whose I am. May Your words resonate deeply in my heart, guiding me to live in a way that honors You and keeps me from sin. Grant me a heart filled with wisdom and discernment, that I may reflect Your glory in every aspect of my life. I love You dearly, and with sincere humility and gratitude, I thank You in Your holy name. Amen.
Reference
Caporusso, C. (2025). (Millbrook, NY). [Photograph]. [Personal Collection]
Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMPC), Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.
