The Pursuit of Wisdom

1My son, if you accept my words

and store up my commands within you,

2turning your ear to wisdom

and applying your heart to understanding—

3indeed, if you call out for insight

and cry aloud for understanding,

4and if you look for it as for silver

and search for it as for hidden treasure,

5then you will understand the fear of the Lord

and find the knowledge of God.

6For the Lord gives wisdom;

from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

7He holds success in store for the upright,

he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,

8for he guards the course of the just

and protects the way of his faithful ones. (Proverbs 2)

Thoughts: Wisdom is a gift from God- given through other people.  So a father can impart some wisdom to a son.  But the desire for wisdom is so important.  So this desire is lifted up here.  If you look for it- you will find it.  As Jesus said, "Seek and you shall find" (Mt. 7:7). 
    Some have tried to elevate wisdom (sophia) to a god-like state.  They would point out the similarities of wisdom with God.  But this passage says that "the Lord gives wisdom" (vs. 6).  So to confuse wisdom with God is to confuse the gift with the giver.  Idolatry is taking part of creation (a gift of the Creator) in place of the Creator.
     But wisdom is a true gift to be pursued. With wisdom comes success, and protection.  With wisdom we are taught to be content with what we have and to avoid stealing, robbing, adultery, lying and meanness. Wisdom helps us to walk in the way of the Lord. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to be wise and walk in your ways.