Walking in Wisdom

In Proverbs 3, we learned that the fear of God and knowledge can help us to lead long, healthy lives. This idea is presented again in Proverbs 4. However, in this chapter Solomon declares that cultivating knowledge and heeding instruction not only leads to longer life but is actually life itself. Listen to these verses.

"'[K]eep my commands and you will live'" (Prov. 4:4a).

"Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life" (Prov. 4:13).

"[My words] are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body" (Prov. 4:22).

In times when you have stumbled around in your life, haven't you felt your spirit was withering? We don't feel alive in those seasons of confusion and frustration. We also feel as if we are wandering, even going around in circles. And it is dark. So what does it feel like to walk in wisdom?

"I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble" (Prov. 4:11-12).

"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day" (Prov. 4:18).

The road of wisdom is easy to walk. It does not wind in senseless circles or go down into valleys or uphill through difficult mountain passes. Do believers encounter valleys and uphill climbs? Of course! That is the way of life in our fallen world. But when you walk in God's ways, it's as if He has built bridges across the valleys and has cleared and leveled the land where there were mountains to climb. That is the work of wisdom.

So what is our responsibility? How can we seize the opportunity to take these easier roads? "'Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding'" (Prov. 4:6-7). Acquiring wisdom is a constant process. You can't decide one day to seek wisdom, then a week later, forget about it, then expect to pick up where you left off in another week. Sometimes pursuing wisdom means giving up other things to which you've been clinging. It may be control or material things or dependence on other people. Whatever it is, you may be called to relinquish those things in order to grasp the wisdom of God. In regard to seeking wisdom, James said, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5). Just ask God! He wants to bless you with wisdom. When Solomon asked God for wisdom, God granted it to him.

God blessed Solomon with wealth and power in addition to wisdom. This may not happen to each of us, but not only will we be protected by wisdom, but we will be blessed by it further. "'Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor" (Prov. 4:8-9). Those blessings may not be riches, but you will be blessed.