Proverbs judges every thought or action by one standard: "Is this wise?" The word wisdom brings up pictures of gray-haired old men muttering obscure philosophic maxims. But that is almost the opposite of what Proverbs means by the word. Wisdom is above all practical and down to earth. Young people as well as old can and should have it. Wisdom teaches you how to live. It combines understanding with discipline - the kind of discipline an athlete needs in training. It also adds a healthy dose of good common sense - except that common sense isn't, and never has been, common.
How do you become a wise person? You must first begin to listen. Wisdom is freely available to those who will stop talking and start paying attention - to God and his Word, to parents, to wise counselors. Anybody can become wise, Proverbs says. Wisdom is not reserved for a brainy elite. But becoming wise requires self-discipline to study and humbly seek wisdom at every opportunity.
Proverbs on becoming a wise person:2:1-6; 9:1-10; 10:1, 5, 8, 14, 19 23; 11:2; 12:18; 13:10, 20;14:8; 15:7, 31; 16:23; 17:24; 18:15; 19:11, 20; 20:1; 21:11, 20, 30; 23:4; 29:3, 8, 11, 15; 30:5, 6.
Life Questions: Think over the last two years of your life. To whom do you listen? Who has the greatest influence on you? |