The Way of Wisdom

“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. And if you scoff, you alone will bear it.” (Proverbs 9:9-12, NKJV). [Read Proverbs 9]

In chapter 9 of Proverbs the writer pictures two houses, each preparing for guests and welcoming them. One is Wisdom’s House, the other Folly’s House. The reception is vastly different and the results of visiting them likewise beneficial or devastating. Go into Wisdom’s House and live with delight; visit Folly’s House and you will find some temporary pleasures but these produce troubles and eventually early death.

In education, we learn about what we term a “predisposition toward learning.” This means that the one to be educated is ready for learning and has the mental capacity for it. Every effort should be made to use teachable moments to the learner’s advantage and the teacher’s delight. We see this taking place as parents teach children, as Sunday School teachers impart the love for God and teach His ways, as educators in the schools seek to instruct in the best and most effective manner. When these elements for gaining wisdom are operable “the wise will grow wiser…and the just will increase in learning.” The visit to Wisdom’s House pays rich dividends and results in understanding, the ability to not only know but to apply what is learned. It is interesting that in the Amplified Bible, Proverbs 9:11 is rendered in this way: “For by me [Wisdom from God], your days shall be multiplied, and the years of your life shall be increased.”

We need to be reminded often that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). Seeking after learning brings great rewards and kindles a desire for more learning. This is substantiated further along in Proverbs 15:14: “The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.”

Today, let us thank God for our “predisposition to learning,” our ability to seek wisdom. Pray that we will be able to pursue the ways of wisdom as long as we live.

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Wednesday, July 7, 2010