Almost everything worth having in life requires effort and sacrifice. Athletes train for years in order to compete at a high level. Students study hour after hour in order to achieve good grades. That is certainly true of wisdom; it does not come
without deliberate effort.
Read Proverbs 2:1
If… then
This passage is a conditional statement (if X, then Y).
• Pick out the three “ifs”.
• What is the “then” (v 5)?
• Why does the “then” make the effort of the “ifs” worthwhile?
This is good news for us! God does not hide His wisdom from anyone who genuinely seeks it in His word. He does not play games or try to trick us. If you search diligently, you will find wisdom.
But
We need to realise and accept that wisdom only comes through our own effort. No one ever stumbles into wisdom by
accident; it requires work. We’re no different!
There are various ways that we can grow in wisdom:
• Reading, meditating on, and memorising God’s word regularly (Psalms 119:9).
• Observing and reflecting on the actions of someone wiser than you are (Proverbs 6:6). Remember that without first fearing the LORD, no one can be wise.
• Asking for criticism from someone wiser than you (Proverbs 27:5).
• Listening to the advice of someone wiser than you (Proverbs 19:20).
This isn’t an exhaustive list!
• Are there any other ways you can work at growing in wisdom?
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APPLY
• Do you do these things? If not, what does that tell you about what you value most?
• Which one of these suggestions can you begin to do, or start to do more, right now?
Remember, getting wisdom requires effort!
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PRAY
Ask God to give you a greater awareness of who He is, so that you'll have a right fear of Him.
Ask God to give you an increased desire to grow in wisdom as you fear Him.
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This devotional is taken from Explore—a daily Bible-reading devotional from the good book company which enables you to engage with Scripture and which will encourage, equip and inspire you to live for Christ. Explore features contributions from pastors such as Dr Timothy Keller, Mike McKinley and Tim Chester.
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