A wise man will hear and increase in learning, and a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel,
to understand a proverb and a figure,
the words of the wise and their riddles. 

Proverbs 1: 5-6

As we continue with Solomon’s purpose statement for this amazing book, we get an inspired glimpse into the habits of a wise man and a wise woman. We see that wisdom is readily at hand for our use and benefit. But…and this is an important ‘but’…wisdom isn’t gained through some mysterious osmosis or by taking a smart pill. No! The only way to gain wisdom is to pursue it and not just once, but continually. 

A wise person hears!

My mother used to ask the child me, “Elaine, do my words just go in one of your ears and immediately out the other one?” I knew that question was rhetorical though I didn’t know that specific word at the time. And I also knew I should not answer that question. I simply knew I better start paying attention. I wonder if God doesn’t ask the same question of me and I don’t think He means the question to be rhetorical. 

I/we must learn to drown out all the noise of our modern world and truly hear what is going on around us and then take what we hear and define it based on God’s Word; the Bible. The more we do this, the more wisdom will dictate our thoughts, emotions, and actions and the more we will impact our circle of influence for the sake of the Gospel and for God’s glory.

A wise person increases in learning!

Have you ever experienced the ‘know it all’ person in a business meeting or in a classroom or in your own family? I have! Mainly because I used to be that person and still struggle with that narcissistic mindset. I just knew I was always right and I also knew I had to be right…even if I wasn’t right! How’s that for logic? It’s a ‘know it all’ logic and it rarely works for anyone, especially not for the ‘know it all’. It’s actually a pretty lonely way to live. 

I thank the Good Lord that He used multiple people and multiple ways to show me that being a ‘know it all’ is just down right annoying. And annoying is just plain ugly and not helpful! I’ve finally discovered the joy of being teachable and being approachable to other’s wisdom, knowledge and life lessons and I am much better for it! 

A wise person acquires counsel and understanding!

This is very similar to not being a ‘know it all’ person. But takes it even deeper. A wise person is strong enough and, at the same time, humble enough to seek counsel from others so that they may gain deeper and wider understanding. I find that in today’s hyperdrive worldwide web world, I need to get a lot of extra counsel. There is so much fake news, so many false narratives and a ridiculous number of deceivers and scoundrels that I cannot navigate all this on my own! I absolutely rely on my family and friends and trusted (key word: trusted) professionals to keep my feet on solid ground!

My personal belief is that we are nearing the last days before the rapture and Jesus, in Matthew’s Gospel warns us of a dyer consequence if we do not heed Solomon’s warning to pursue God’s wisdom.  

For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.

Matthew 24:24