Proverbs 8:34-36 “Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord. But those who fail to find me harm themselves; all who hate me love death.”
I might get into trouble here, but it seems like our culture is producing more foolish-followers than wisdom-seekers. Time-tested wisdom is being replaced with the latest fad or fashionable thought. We’re living in a world where sensitivity supersedes science and feelings trump truth. Cheap substitutes parade as the real deal. It’s like The Emperor Has No Clothes on steroids.
What ever happened to wisdom?
Scripture tells us the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). Having a fear of God means we recognize something greater exists than our limited perceptions. It reveals an attitude of humbleness. As Proverbs 11:2 says, “…with humility comes wisdom.”
The man whose name is synonymous with wisdom knew this.
When Solomon was inaugurated as King of Israel, God asked him what he wanted. Solomon’s response revealed his deep humility: “But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties…. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:7; 9). Solomon realized his responsibilities called for wisdom far above his pay grade, consequently he (wisely) asked God for help.
God loved his humble request, and granted him not only wisdom to a greater extent than anyone had ever known, but also honor and wealth (v.10-13).
So if humility is a prerequisite to wisdom, it may explain why it’s become such a scarce commodity. Pride, self-reliance, and one-upmanship dominate our culture. In this age of virtue signaling, not too many folks are signaling the virtue of humility. No wonder we’re becoming a foolish people. Why seek wisdom when we think we already know it all?
But take heart. We don’t have to join the foolish-followers crowd. Let’s humble ourselves and ask for God’s guidance. Blessing awaits those who seek wisdom. So does God’s favor. So does life. Make no mistake. In the end, wisdom rules. Really!