Keys To ...

Keys to Wisdom

Proverbs 4:7-8 says, “Wisdom is supreme; though it costs you all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.”

The whole of Scripture gives us some practical applications that can be accomplished by all who are willing to pay the cost to get understanding and to embrace and esteem the wisdom that comes from God. The Bible teaches that there are basic disciplines to applying what Jesus taught regarding the master plans of hearing and doing. Two of them are attention and meditation.

Attention and meditation were both exemplified in the life of Christ. These two practical applications require a willingness to be disciplined so you can enjoy the benefits of walking in wisdom. Psalm 111:10 lays down the foundational rule to grasping the wisdom of God. It says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding.”

You will give your attention to someone. Determining who gets your attention is the first issue that must be settled before you are going to enjoy the wisdom that the Lord longs to give you. Never in Proverbs are you advised to listen to your own heart. You are clearly told not to listen to seductive women, to crowds and mobs or to companions bent on being destructive and wasteful. You must understand that the cornerstone of wisdom is dependant upon a submissive heart that shows attention to God.

If you are in the middle of a minefield, you will give attention to the man who holds the map showing where each land mine is placed. You will be thrilled to allow him to tell you where to place each foot until you get out.

You are standing now in the middle of the minefield of life. The flesh, the world and the devil have all placed land mines around that can cause you spiritual harm and even eternal death. It is time to give careful attention to the God who is all knowing, loving and trustworthy until you step out of this life into heaven with Him.

Along with giving attention, you must apply the basic discipline of meditation. Proverbs 4:4 says, “…Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.” You have to literally meditate on God’s Word daily and become the type of person that is willing to ask himself, “Is what I am hearing, thinking, saying and living in agreement with the Word of God?” What the Bible says should be so much in your heart that you begin to think like Christ. The apostle Paul wrote, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5)

Normal people do not forget their phone numbers, e-mails or familiar websites. They do not forget the names of their children or parents or important appointments because they make it a point to think upon these things throughout their day and during their life time. Throughout your day and the rest of your life you must make it a point to meditate upon the Word of God and its precepts and decrees if you are going to grasp the wisdom of God.

Many believe that Lady Wisdom in Proverbs 1:20 is a plea of Christ that says, “Wisdom calls aloud in the streets, she raises her voice in the public squares.” Jesus Christ is calling you to embrace Him. “Christ [is] the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Cor. 1:24) Grasp the wisdom of God by accepting Him as Savior and Lord of your life.