Scripture:
[4] he taught me and said to me, “Let your heart hold fast my words; keep my commandments, and live.
[5] Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth.
Observation:
Solomon listened to and learned from his father, king David, and valued wisdom so much that when God appeared to him in a dream and told him to ask for whatever he wanted, he asked for an understanding heart and discernment between good and evil. Solomon of course became known for his incredible wisdom.
The fact that Solomon mentions learning the value of wisdom from the insight of his father is, in itself, evidence of his wisdom.
Listening is not enough, one’s heart must be open to gain wisdom – “Let your heart hold fast my words”.
Once achieved at some level, wisdom must be preserved – “..keep my commandments”.
Wisdom can be lost, or at least morphed into knowledge without true wisdom – “..do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth”.
Application:
Wisdom includes knowledge but is not knowledge alone. Just because you are “smart”, or have experience and know things, in no way makes you wise. In fact, if you believe it does, you should probably take a pride check. Among other attributes, wisdom includes discernment between good and evil, and good judgement. Wisdom is a gift from God and is held and maintained partly in the head and partly in the heart.
As written in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you”. But, as we pray faithfully for wisdom, know that we must also do our part. We must stay in the word and keep our hearts open, never hardened.
To gain the wisdom we pursue, we must have open hearts or those who share insight and wisdom with us are wasting their time. This is probably important to remember as we pour out into others. If their hearts aren’t open, we’re wasting our time.
Prayer:
Father, we love and exalt You. We seek Your wisdom Lord, to make us more like You. Keep us among wise counsel and as we keep our hearts and minds open, give them hearts to pour out into us. Lord, keep us in Your word and let Your word dwell in us. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, amen.