Comments: The Need for Wisdom

In the book of Proverbs, Solomon writes that one of the most important goals in life is to gain wisdom (Proverbs 4:7) and that the value of wisdom is even greater than rubies or gold (Proverbs 8:11; 16:16).

He states that growing in wisdom will enable us to better discern between right and wrong, and that learning to act wisely will lead to happiness and a longer life (Proverbs 2:10-11; 3:13-16).

Solomon was inspired to write the book of Proverbs to help others gain wisdom (Proverbs 1:1-6), and he reveals that the most important key to gaining wisdom is developing a proper fear of God—having a sincere desire to follow God’s instructions (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10).

It should be instructive that as Jesus Christ grew up, He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). Jesus obviously followed the instructions in Proverbs 2:1-5 to seek after wisdom, to cry out for discernment and to treasure the commandments of God.

The Apostle James urged us to ask God for wisdom (James 1:5), and the Apostle Paul admonished us to study the Scriptures “which are able to make you wise” (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

Why not set a goal to do a word study of “wise” and ‘wisdom” in the book of Proverbs and the rest of the Scriptures? As we grow in wisdom, we will be developing one of the attributes of God and Jesus Christ (Job 9:4; Romans 16:27).