Mar 14, 2025 Wisdom Must Be Pursued – Words of Grace Blog – March 14, 2025
It’s spring break week in Middle Tennessee, and the weather cooperated.
Two things happened this week, one without much thought and the other because some didn’t think. Both were related to the sun. Without even thinking about it, vitamin D synthesis occurred for more people because they were outside in short sleeves. And because some didn’t prepare their winter skin for the sun, they experienced sunburn. What’s fascinating about the combination of sun and skin is that things happen when the two meet without our having to do anything.
Not so with acquiring wisdom. Wisdom is not in the atmosphere to be absorbed by just being around it. We could be in the company of a hundred wise people but would not gain from their wisdom if we just sat in the corner closed off and disengaged. To gain wisdom, which is more available than the sun’s rays, we must pursue it.
Jesus knew this as a young man. At twelve years old he sat in the Temple among wise teachers who knew the word of God. What’s to be noticed about Jesus that day is that his parents were not there. No one forced him to be at the Temple. He chose to be there because he was in pursuit of the wisdom of God that would guide his life as the Savior of his people. And while there, Jesus did not sit passively daydreaming or counting the seconds until class was over and he could pursue other things. He was listening and asking questions, and all were amazed at his understanding and responses to the teachers (Luke 2:46-47).
It seems Jesus knew about Proverbs 2. In this chapter the parent gives the son an “if, then” lesson in wisdom. If the son will pursue wisdom, then the Lord will grant it.
Wisdom is in the words being taught. If these words are received and treasured, and if the son seeks and searches, then the Lord will give His wisdom. He will open the storehouse and grant wisdom to all who ask. The pursuit of wisdom is the condition for gaining it.
The rest of Proverbs 2 describes the blessings and benefits of God’s wisdom as it comes into our hearts and guides our steps all the way to the promised land.
Here are two things to ponder from Proverbs 2 this weekend. First, are you in pursuit of the wisdom of God? Yes, you will have to pursue many things this weekend related to the responsibilities you have. And if you were not among the spring-breakers, you may be pursuing some rest after a long workweek. But wisdom is needed for these things. There is a wise way to be responsible and to rest. Are you seeking God in these things?
Second, do you have a plan for pursuing God’s wisdom? What portion of the Bible do you need to read, study, and pray to gain wisdom. Who will you meet with to discuss these things? Are there any helpful books you need to read? What’s your plan for making the most of Proverbs while we work our way through it in the months ahead? How will you seek to bring God’s wisdom into the everyday realities of life?
Proverbs 2 calls us to pursue God’s wisdom and to plan our pursuit. The promise it makes is that the Lord gives wisdom to those who ask.
Let’s pray for each other this weekend and pursue God together on Sunday.
-Scott