6 key facts about wisdom found in the Proverbs

1) Wisdom is the principal thing
Over and above everything else in life, gaining comprehension on the subject of wisdom is the greatest. The proverbs serve as a guideline for this. Wisdom saves and/or sustains marriages. It builds relationships. It brings fulfillment and satisfaction especially when one has not yet found the purpose of life. The wisest man who ever lived said, “Wisdom is the principal thing;  Therefore get wisdom.  And in all your getting, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7.

2) Wisdom builds a house and fills it with riches
In addition to living a fulfilled life, you can become very wealthy and successful. All it really requires is gaining knowledge and understanding on how to obtain and manage finances. It cannot be one or the other, it has to be both! Many people are careless in handling their money simply because they haven’t desired to obtain full comprehension on how to maintain what they’ve obtained. Investing time in gaining knowledge about budget surplus and deficit, different ways of investing, and planning productive ways to use every cent gained, should tremendously help improve the quality of life. The lesson we learn from the Proverbs is that, “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established. By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3-4

3) Wisdom knows when to speak and when to keep silent (active self-control)
Prudence plays a big role in our lives when conducting all types of relationships. In an earlier post, Hindsight, Foresight, Insight, I talk about how foresight involves thinking before making a decision. The concept of thinking first applies here as well. Learning to be patient enough to listen first is a skill that often needs some practice but offers a great reward that’s more than worth it. “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace. When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.” Proverbs 17:27-28. It really is very important to be patient and listen because, “The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences.” Proverbs 18:21 (NLT)

4) Wisdom understands the value of self-control (passive self-control)
This one builds on the last point. It’s really beneficial for you (me included) and everyone around you to have self-control. The thing is “A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back,” (Proverbs 11:29) and weighs all possible options before concluding anything. If that does not happen then the consequences are serious because, “It’s not good to eat too much honey, and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself. A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls” (Proverbs 25:27-28). Always thinking you’re right and seeking out your own good at the expense of someone else is a recipe for disaster. In any argument an element of the fear of the Lord  will help resolve it: ” Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it.” (Psalm 34:14. Verses 11-14 puts it in context).

5) Wisdom seeks counsel from others
The relationships you form are very important because they determine the course of your life. I explain that in depth when I talk about the value of people. The wisest thing to do is grow and nurture the relationships that will serve as a big aid in propelling you to the palace of your destiny. Your closest friends (which may include parents if you’re close), siblings, extended family members, boss, workmate, teacher and mentor, are among the most important relationships you’ll ever form. I emphasize the last two because they discipline, guide, grow and lead you in ways that very few can. It’s not to say you can’t seek guidance from board members and anyone else you know and respect, in this point I focus on the key people that direct your life in the right path.

From the Proverbs we learn that, “Folly is joy to him who is destitute of discernment, but a man of understanding walks uprightly. Without counsel, plans go awry (amiss,wrong), but in the multitude of counselors they are established. A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!”  Proverbs 15:21-23

6) Wisdom takes advantage of life experiences
What is the purpose of life? Consider this verse, “Wise words satisfy like a good meal; the right words bring satisfaction” (Proverbs 18:20). When you look at that and compare it to ch 15:23 you’ll discover that speaking life is a crucial thing to do. Pay close attention to the words of wisdom “for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body. Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Avoid all perverse talk; stay away from corrupt speech (Proverbs 4:22-24).

Isn’t it interesting how speaking life is a core lesson in learning about the purpose of life? It’s got nothing to do with riches and possessions (though those are good too) but the most important thing is speaking life. You want to learn to make the most of your life? Guard your heart by speaking life both to yourself and to others, that includes strangers and acquaintances. In your endeavours, listen to wisdom when she says, “Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them for they are the key to life” (Proverbs 4:13).

A last word
Above all understand that, ““ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding,” (Proverbs 9:10 & 1:7)