The process of knowing wisdom produces character transformation that’s “sweet to the soul.” In other words, wisdom is closely connected to my personal relationship with God.
Introduction
The process of knowing wisdom changes who I am.
In fact, knowing wisdom involves being aware of the eternal life precepts or fundamental disciplines. Then, I must absorb those precepts into my heart or character. Finally, I apply those disciplines into my day-to-day life.
More specifically, the Proverbs are short statements, in a compare or contrast form, that present a truth about life. For example, topics of the Proverbs include things like diligence and integrity.
Now, some parallel terms for knowing wisdom include being wise-hearted, precept-driven, and living a balanced life.
The Proverbs from scripture are short statements, often in a compare or contrast form, that present an eternal truth about life. proverbsforprofessionals.net
The Process
What follows are the steps in the process of knowing wisdom.
1). Personal Relationship – Reverence toward God is a prerequisite to knowing wisdom.
For instance, see Proverbs 1.7, 1.29, 2.5, and 9.10. Those are some of the verses that discuss the importance of our personal relationship with God the Father.
Unsurprisingly, wisdom begins with WHO I am in regard to my relationship with God.
2). Growth Mindset – A second prerequisite to knowing wisdom is a growth mindset.
That is, I must be humble and teachable. Actually, humility is frequently mentioned in Proverbs. See the following verses: Proverbs 3.34, 15.33, 22.4, and 29.23.
Thus, be careful about the negative self-talk!
3). Sound Content – Here, the content is the precepts themselves. I must absorb those precepts into my character.
Over and over, Solomon says “give me your heart.” He never says give my your head! Thus, this is not about native intelligence or common sense.
For some verses, see Proverbs 2.7, 3.21, 10.8 (note the definition of wise-hearted here), 18.1, and 22.17 (“words of the wise”).
So, be careful what you believe!
4). Character Transformation – The essence of knowing wisdom is character transformation.
Why? Because it literally changes WHO I am from the inside-out!
Moreover, the fundamental question at this point is: “Will I change?” Here, I’m applying the precepts into my daily life.
References include: Proverbs 2.2, 3.3, 4.4, 4.21, 7.2-3 (note the pairing of law and precept), 22.17, 23.12, and 23.26.
5). Life of Purpose and Abundance – This final stage is the outcome of knowing wisdom.
At this point I clearly understand my WHY – my life purpose for a specific stage of my life.
Now, one of the clearest statements of life purpose is from Joseph, in Genesis 45.5-8 and Genesis 50.19-21. He knew why God had put him where he was at that point in time!
Actually, God expects us to pursue our life purpose. See His rather blunt conversation with Abraham in Genesis 17.1 when Abraham was having a mid-life crisis!
Reference in Proverbs that speak to being aware of and pursuing our purpose follow: Proverbs 2.21, 4.18, and 11.5.
A very fundamental question in life is: “Will I change?” Giving our heart to know wisdom is a great way to answer that question! proverbsforprofessional.net
Some Takeaways
When I change WHO I am, I change my life outcomes!
Consequently, that character change brings both temporal and eternal rewards into my life.
Transformation is experienced through life traits such as: the ability to make sense of things, insight gained from life experiences, deep discernment, discretion in interpersonal relationships, and clarity about life’s purpose.
