The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to discern the sayings of understanding, to receive instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice and equity; to give prudence to the naive, to the youth knowledge and discretion … (Proverbs 1:1-4)

How much better life would be if we had the wisdom of God. Jesus embraced wisdom-learning as part of his early childhood experience of humanity (Luke 2:52). He taught that acting wisely will be proven to be smart by its results: “Wisdom is vindicated by all her children” (Luke 7:35). The apostles saw wisdom as essential to effectively serving God’s people: “Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task” (Acts 6:3).

The apostle Paul was overwhelmed by the wisdom of God in his well-known doxology: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Rom. 11:33). He understood that “in [Christ] are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3). We are often admonished to “Conduct yourselves with wisdom… ” (Col. 4:5). Scripture teaches us that God gives wisdom to those who ask for it: “[I]f any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5). And finally, from the NT testimony, we see that “Wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).

So, weaving into our life goals the commitment to learn wisdom is one of the wisest things we can do. It is not something that happens naturally. It is a gift from God, to be sure, but it is hidden in Christ—so we must work to learn it and infuse it into our lives. Enter the book of Proverbs.

Some may think the writings of Proverbs are sub-spiritual, but along with all the other Scriptures, this book is breathed out by God, that is, inspired (2 Tim. 3:16). The Book of Proverbs is God’s down-to-earth, practical training manual. Would that someone develop a children’s game to help them learn this kind of wisdom early in life.

The book is primarily written by a father to a son (Prov. 1:8), but we see wisdom taught here that all parents should teach all of their children. Like the financial principle of compounding interest, a commitment to learn how to live wisely has compounding benefits for life. Best to start, then, when you are young. But God knows that most people who study the Book of Proverbs are adults. In case you missed out in your early years, it is better to start learning wisdom now and not continue in ignorance.

Lord, I now commit to pursue daily to learn Your wisdom!