I want to give credit to Alan Gilman for an idea he inspired in his book, “Torah Light.” The first number of verses in the second chapter of the Book of Proverbs reference the benefits of wisdom. Individuals who want to grow and develop in their life will be life-long learners. They desire to know the results which come from the actions stimulated by their thoughts, beliefs, words and intentions. So it would be good to gain some clarification on the value wisdom as to offer, wouldn’t it?
Did you realize the word, “wisdom” includes the idea of being “skilled” at what you do? In fact in Hebrew the word translated wisdom has this concept as part of its root meaning. Wisdom is seeking the skill to living your life successfully so you may become the best version of you possible. It is something we all must desire. It involves our active pursuit in order to receive it. Notice the action words from Proverbs 2: “accept, store up, listen closely, direct your heart, call out, lift your voice, seek, search.” Only when you have participated with an intensity of intention will you “understand” and “discover” that which you desire.
What is interesting, in the world in which we live, it is thought the course of action we must follow to gain the skills we are looking for comes as a result of the educational process we pursue. Skills are taught resulting in skills being learned. But true wisdom, the skills of life, which bring results are a gift according to God’s Word. “For Yahweh gives wisdom; and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).
Who do you listen to when it comes to the process of truly learning? Whose advice will influence you in the matters of the heart to impact change in your life? Wisdom (“skills”) come through the process of relationship with the One who created you. I chose deliberately to use the name of the One with whom you would be wise to develop relationship with. “The word “LORD” in the English language often fails to generate the concept of personhood and relationship, but when a name is used it does.
We find in James 1:5 those who are lacking in wisdom should ask God for it and He will give it. Wisdom, the skill of living successfully, is a gift bestowed by God in response to our desire and passion to receive it. It comes through a relationship which you willingly participate in.
I encourage you to not only say YES to the relationship with Jesus, but live your life fully committed to making that relationship a priority in your life. You will discover God’s love and generosity when you do.