Proverbs 8:34
Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts.
Wisdom personified, calls out in the streets, longing for a listening ear. Like the tumbleweed blown from here to there are those who fail to stop and listen. I have heard that ignorance is bliss; we couldn’t be any further from the truth. Wisdom is the fear of the Lord, the path to righteousness, and a treasure beyond silver or gold; it is not, however, bliss. Those who fail to gain wisdom and understanding will one day be found with no excuse.
It was through His wisdom that the Lord fashioned the earth (Psalm 104:24; Proverbs 3:19). This same wisdom stands “at the gates of the city” where all pass by. No person is beyond the sound of its voice. “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Our God is the source of all wisdom, to the one that searches it out, peace and mercy will be found (James 3:17). To the one who will not listen, only death will find that person out (Proverbs 8:36).
Above all else, wisdom is perfect truth displayed in the person of Jesus Christ. It is through Him alone that we will find discernment and understanding. If we truly desire a closer walk with the Lord, we must give up the pursuit of happiness and money in exchange for the knowledge of Christ (Matthew 6:33). We have before us a wealth of wisdom and discernment. James 1:5 commands us to ask God for wisdom when we lack it. II Timothy 3:15 reminds us, “that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” The resources are right in front of us like the woman standing at the gate of the city. Yet, we pass up daily opportunities to take advantage of this wealth of knowledge. Christ Himself promises, “Everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts upon them, may be compared to a wise man, who built his house upon the rock” (Matthew 7:24). May I ask where you’re building your house today?
“Does not wisdom call, and understanding lift up her voice? On top of the heights beside the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gates, at the opening to the city, at the entrance of the doors, she cries out.” I pray that you would not pass her by any longer. I ask that you would find the time and commitment it takes to search out the wisdom of God; He so desperately wants to spend time with you. As Proverbs 8:34 and 35 promise, “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. For he who finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord.”
It’s far more difficult to dedicate each day to seeking His wisdom than it is to dedicate a lifetime. Are you willing?