The Starting Point

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the Holy is understanding.

Some believe wisdom begins with the ask; however, Proverbs begs to differ. How does one hope to gain godly wisdom, if one doesn’t fear God to begin with? The fool has said in his heart, there is no God (see Psalms 14:1; 53:1).

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7).

How People Refuse Wisdom

What happens when people refuse to listen to wisdom when she cries out, “Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you” (Proverbs 1:23)? Calamity, fear, desolation and destruction come as a whirlwind (see verses 26-27). Have you ever said, “I should have listened?”  

When they cry after the fact, it will be too late by then. The damage is done. In fact, wisdom says, “Then they shall call, but I will not answer” (Proverbs 1:28). And why is that? For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 1:29).

When people refuse to fear the Lord, they leave all that godly wisdom and knowledge on the table, and walk away empty-handed.

Who Has First Place?

What else could be amiss if a person does fear the Lord, but wisdom still doesn’t seem to be forthcoming? The answer may be found in another question: who has first place in our life? If something or someone is first in line, we may find ourself acting as a fool. Meaning, we want what we want, so we don’t want to hear anything contrary to it. When we neglect His counsel and reproof, calamity may be waiting around the corner. By the way, if a desire is that strong, one may actually be dealing with a lust.

Psalm 37:4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

Delighting in the Lord places His will in first place. Sometimes we think we know what we want, but He knows exactly what are our true desires. Sometimes the issue is not the true issue. As we delight in Him, He places His desires in our heart. When we ask accordingly, wisdom will come our way. It actually is a desire of our heart.
By the way, Jesus is our Wisdom (see 1 Corinthians 1:30).

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Wisdom’s Call

   No matter the age or epoch, time or season; regardless of generation or time of life, everyone is in need of wisdom. That states the obvious, but it’s also important to choose your source wisely. Not all wisdom is equal, and quite frankly, what some call wisdom is downright foolish. More on that in a moment.

   Proverbs 1:20-27 Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square; At the head of the noisy streets she cries out; At the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings: “How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded? And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing And fools hate knowledge? “Turn to my reproof, Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. “Because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention; And you neglected all my counsel And did not want my reproof; I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes, When your dread comes like a storm And your calamity comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you.  

   Wisdom calls to everyone, but how many actually open their doors and let her in? Naivety is not a virtue, especially if one chooses ignorance over knowledge, wisdom and understanding. The one who refuses these is foolish. “I’ve never refused wisdom.” Are you sure? Have you ever refused correction? Did ever experience anger when being confronted with something you knew full well was the truth, but you refused to listen? “I don’t want to hear it!” One of the problems with correction, or wisdom is it calls for change. It may even call for repentance. That can make things rather uncomfortable.

   Did you ever get that nagging feeling you were on the wrong path, but you continued on it anyway? What were the results? Did you hear wisdom say, “You neglected my counsel, you did not want my reproof, so I will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes?” Perhaps, you responded with, “I should have listened.” Hopefully, it led to repentance, and you didn’t make the same mistake.

Wisdom’s Remedy

   Some people finally get fed up with their messes. They’re tired of the status quo, and want to make changes in life. Perhaps, that is you, and that can be a very good thing. What happens when you heed Wisdom’s call?

   Proverbs 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

   When you receive wisdom from above things happen, life changes and that includes having peace. That wisdom leads to better decisions and making the right choices. It actually improves one’s relationship with God. There is much that can be said about wisdom, so perhaps spend some time in the Bible, and see what Holy Spirit will reveal to you.

Sources of Wisdom

   The self-help industry is booming because people want to change their lives for the better. They want to grow. Unfortunately, some of what’s out there does not include God. Let’s be clear, if the source is void of God, it is void of wisdom. A lot of stuff may sound good, but once it’s compared to the Word of God, it’s just a lot of stuff. That’s not to say there’s nothing of use, because there are a lot of useful things. To make it simple, ask Holy Spirit whether something would be good to learn.

   Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

   When you are connected to God through Jesus Christ, your Source of Wisdom is infinite. This means infinite wisdom is always available to you.

   1 Corinthians 1:30 But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus, Who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.

   To connect to that infinite, perfect wisdom, connect to Him. The more you fellowship with God, the more you will experience His wisdom. Spending time alone with Him is priceless.

Wisdom of World Versus Wisdom From Above

   James 3:13-18 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

   Worldly wisdom offers no peace, let alone lasting peace. It is full of pretense. Godly wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits. Because God never changes, His wisdom is unwavering and without hypocrisy.

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   As a suggestion, take the time to read Proverbs chapter one. Yes, many of you have already read it; in fact, multiple times. Nonetheless, when it comes to the Word of God, you cannot really read any of its passages too many times. Just approach it as if you’ve never read it before. It’s surprising what you’ll gain.

   In chapter one, we find wisdom calling to those who would listen, as she does even now. Look at the way she begins.

   Proverbs 1:22 How long, ye simple (naïve) ones, will ye love simplicity (being simple-minded)? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

   Being simple doesn’t necessarily equate to a simple life; in fact, it can be quite the opposite. Have you ever heard the saying, “ignorant is bliss?” In some respects that can be very true; however, choosing to be ignorant can be costly. There are some things we are better not knowing; on the other hand, there are others we better know. Burying your head in the sand can get you hurt.

   In some cases, those who love to ridicule others are willingly ignorant. They scorn those who possess knowledge and wisdom. Instead of embracing these who may help give them a leg up; they hold them in contempt. Their insecurity causes them to look at naivety is some sort of badge of honor. It’s costing them, and they don’t even realize it. Just as this passage says, “Fools hate knowledge.”

   Again wisdom cries out: “Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you” (Proverbs 1:23).

What Happens When One Rejects Wisdom?

   What happens when an individual rejects Wisdom’s cry? Let’s allow her to answer that question.

    “Because I called and you refused, I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention; And you neglected all my counsel And did not want my reproof; I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your dread comes, When your dread comes like a storm And your calamity comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you.

   Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently but they will not find me, Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD. They would not accept my counsel; They spurned all my reproof.

   So they shall eat of the fruit of their own way And be satiated with their own devices. For the waywardness of the naive will kill them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them” (Proverbs 1:24-32).

   Being willingly ignorant leads to self-sabotage! It would behoove us all to ask ourselves if we are willing to hear the truth. If not, why not? Insisting on having things our way, may not be that wise in the end.   

What Happens When One Embraces Wisdom?

   Proverbs 1:33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.

   Godly wisdom is a prerequisite for a truly quiet, peaceful life. Wisdom gives us the needed insight to handle difficult situations, or head them off. It gives us the ability to correctly interact with God and people. When walking in such wisdom, you never have to fear evil. Moreover, you find confidence for living, which goes beyond self-confidence.

   Proverbs 3:25-26 Be not afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it cometh. For the LORD shall be thy Confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken.

   Proverbs 3:13-18 How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver And her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor.

Some Characteristics of Godly Wisdom

   James 3:17-16 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

   Peace comes from godly wisdom; with worldly wisdom, not so much (read James 3:14-16). Wisdom from above is pure and righteous. When obtaining counsel from others, ask yourself if what’s being said aligns with Scripture. Does it bear witness, bring you peace and clarity? Stating the obvious, if you find yourself stirred up and confused, chances are it’s not from above. One possible exception would be a lack of willingness to listen to the truth. Another one would be truth is coming up against a lie you believe to be true (a stronghold).

   When we are willing to listen, true wisdom is gentle and easy to receive.

   Proverbs 3:17-18. Her ways are pleasant ways And all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who hold her fast.

   Finally, wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. Those who do not have godly fear are unwise. This includes those who may look wise and are doing quite well in the world. If they don’t fear Him, will they do as well in Heaven? Hmmm.

   Proverbs 9:9-12 Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by Me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.

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