Wisdom Seeking

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. (Ps 111:10)

Seeking wisdom is a good thing - a healthy habit. Wisdom brings understanding. Wisdom brings knowledge. By "turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding" you will "understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."

Where do we begin if we desire to seek wisdom? We begin by fearing God. Not a cowering in the corner kind of fear, but a realization of Who God is, Whose we are, what He has done for us, and what He promises to those who love Him.

We begin by gaining perspective. When God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, Moses asked a reasonable question: Whom shall I say sent me? If I say to the Israelites, "The God of your fathers has sent me to you," and they ask me, "What is his name?" - what shall I tell them? (Ex 3:13) God's response: I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: "I AM has sent me to you." (Ex 13:14)

Focus on that one short section of scripture -- Who God says He is -- what that means in terms of who I am (or who I am not!). His role/my role. His promise/my acceptance of the Promise. His boundaries/my freedom. His great love. It's all wrapped up in just a few words: I AM WHO I AM.

Stay there a while. How does that NOT bring you to fear the Lord, and to the beginnings of understanding and wisdom? How can you keep from praising the Lord, our God, who loves us beyond measure?

Need more details about gaining wisdom, or why it's imperative that we develop the healthy habit of seeking wisdom? Spend time in the book of Proverbs, written precisely for, "attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young -- let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance -- for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (Prov 1:1-7)

After spending time in Proverbs, spend time on your knees. Ackowledge Him. Fear Him. Praise Him. Worship Him. Surrender everything to Him. Then do it again tomorrow - it's a healthy habit!