Proverbs 10.8 is a definition. In short, absorbing the precepts makes me wise-hearted. Thus, I learn how to become wise-hearted by mastering the Proverbs!
Wise Up!
Who most often uses the phrase wise up? Well, I suspect you answered “a frustrated parent who is yelling at a teenager!”
Or else, you answered something like that, right?
Similarly, in Proverbs 4.7 Solomon tells his kids that wisdom is essential, so “get wisdom…get insightful capability.” In other words, wise up!
So, we get to listen in on these parent-child conversations by reading the Proverbs.
Where to Focus
Now, Solomon shared through direct instruction what he had learned by giving his heart, thus character “to know wisdom” Ecclesiastes 1.17.
In short, Solomon devoted his personal and professional growth to building a wise character. In addition, his textbook for that learning was the precepts that are universal and freely available.
Arguably, wise up suggests getting smarted, or at least acting less dumb! However, to know wisdom means that I’m able to effectively apply the precepts to my daily life.
Also, to know wisdom suggests that I’ve determined how to become wise-hearted.
Clearly, wisdom is the content. Whereas, being wise-hearted is the character trait that comes from knowing wisdom!
Be Wise
The first uses of the Hebrew word for wisdom in Exodus adopt the phrase “spirit of wisdom.” For example, read Exodus 28.3 and 31.3.
Thus, I conclude that wisdom is intensely spiritual. Conversely, I don’t believe wisdom deals with native intelligence.
In fact, wisdom is a matter of the heart, thus character. For instance, see Exodus 31.6 and Exodus 36.2.
Moreover, from these last two references I conclude that being wise-hearted through knowing wisdom is available to the many. Thus, it’s not just for the few! So, there’s hope for me yet!
Moses enlisted the wise-hearted. Those to whom the Lord gave wisdom and inspired to do the work. Exodus 36.2 paraphrase
Wise-hearted Impact
Likewise, Joshua was “full of the spirit of wisdom…” according to Deuteronomy 34.9.
As a result, that wisdom was a source of impact for him as a leader: …everyone paid attention to what Joshua said, Deuteronomy 34.9 paraphrase.
Therefore, Joshua’s impact as a leader continued throughout his lifetime. As it turned out, his leadership affected the spiritual life of an entire nation, Joshua 24.31.
In short, the Lord gives wisdom to persons of faith when they’re intentional about knowing wisdom! Hence, I sow reverence and reap wisdom.
Getting Wisdom
Actually, to get wisdom requires intentional and intensive effort on my part.
Clearly, Solomon made getting wisdom his life goal, as expressed in Ecclesiastes 1.13: “I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning everything…”
Thus, he worked hard at acquiring wisdom and building knowledge, according to Ecclesiastes 2.21.
Simply Ask!
Solomon asked God for wisdom to do his job, Second Chronicles 1.10: “Give me now wisdom and knowledge…”
In response, God gave Solomon an exceeding amount of “wisdom and experiential insight…” First Kings 4.29. Just as He promised, First Kings 5.12.
Moreover, the wisdom of Solomon was obvious to everyone around him, First Kings 3.28. And, others who worked with Solomon, such as Hiram, were also “filled with wisdom and experiential insight…” First Kings 7.14.
In addition, Daniel asked God for situation-specific wisdom in Daniel 2.21: “…He gives wisdom to the wise…”
Similarly, Moses prayed for the ability to apply his heart to wisdom, Psalm 90.12: “So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
So, just like Solomon, personal growth for Moses involved character development that was centered around the precepts.
In sum, repeatedly, we read that God gives wisdom to handle administrative duties, set priorities, and respond to emergencies.
So then, God gives me wisdom to be an impactful leader!
But, I must ask for that wisdom!
If you lack wisdom, then ask God. In response, God gives wisdom generously without being critical. James 1.5 paraphrase
Some Other Options
As it turns out, there are several other ways to get wisdom.
For example:
1). Observation, Proverbs 6.6
2). Listening, Proverbs 4.1
3). Memorization, Proverbs 3.3
4). Reading that’s accompanied by explanation to produce discernment, Nehemiah 8.8.
Wisdom is Free
Wisdom is freely available to all, not just the few.
Consequently, wisdom calls publicly, Proverbs 1.20 and 8.1.
But, although wisdom is public, I must actively apply my character to know wisdom.
In the Proverbs, wisdom is condensed into tersely-worded precepts. And, they’re presented as contrasting or comparison statements.
The precepts have been passed down from one generation to the next.
Wisdom getting comes to me from God as I seek and ask. However, my obedience is implied.
The assumption here is that I’m willingness to listen, to learn, and to change who I am and how I behave.
I can receive wisdom at any point in time, when I look for it. Thus, it’s not a matter of native intelligence!
Apply This Today
I can be taught wisdom. And, I can ask for wisdom.
In so doing, I learn how to become wise-hearted. Thus, I become precept-driven.
However, I must commit to character change as guided by the precepts of wisdom if I am to become wise-hearted.
Wisdom getting brings along with it insight and discernment.
Thanks for visiting. If you have any questions or comments about these posts, please contact me: larrydaleyoung@gmail.com
You’re invited to connect with me on LinkedIn by clicking the image:
