Who is Wise?

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10 (CSB)

Our key verse for today reveals so much. You know that to fear the Lord means to have holy reverence for Him.

If we have such reverence for our Lord, then that is the first step to being wise.

But having godly wisdom doesn’t just happen because you believe in God. It doesn’t just happen because you treat Him with Holy awe.

In this allegory, reverence and awe happens in the heart that knows God. “Knowing the Holy One” brings understanding. How do you know God?

Simply by communing with Him through the Spirit and the Word.

The next step is to ask God for wisdom.  

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.

James 1:5 (CSB)

One way we can apply this wisdom is to truly study. Don’t stop at just reading God’s Word. When we take a verse, like Proverbs 9:1, we often look at that and just let it go over our head.

This verse really means something.

Wisdom has built her house. She has carved out her seven pillars.

Proverbs 9:1 (WEB)

If I hadn’t studied reliable sources I would never have given this verse another thought.

The house referred to in the verse is the Church (capital “C”).

The Bible scholars are not sure about what the seven pillars are, but some believe they could represent the fullness of the Spirit, perfection or completeness, the seven days of creation or something else unknown.

When there is no clear answer in God’s Word, then we don’t need to know. One day God may reveal every mystery.

But I can’t imagine anything that would be more important than just knowing Him, treasuring His Word and keeping it ever in our hearts.

So, follow this sound advice from Proverbs 9.

“Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding.”
 ^“For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased.
 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it.”

Proverbs 9:6, 11 & 12 (WEB)

Here is a link to all of Proverbs 9.

World English Bible (WEB)

by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.