Shalom! Welcome to this moment of reflection on the Scriptures.
Any kind of worldly education is a form of wisdom. Wisdom isn’t just about knowing proverbs, sayings, and idioms. When a person goes to study a certain field, whether it’s economics, medicine, or engineering, they gain wisdom in that area, which helps them treat patients, manage businesses, or solve problems. In the same way, gaining wisdom in spiritual matters, particularly the knowledge of God, follows a similar formula to worldly knowledge.
When we pray for God to give us wisdom and understanding in knowing Him, it doesn’t simply fall into our hearts instantly just because we asked. It comes through both prayer and active effort. After we ask God for wisdom, we need to seek it diligently. Just as a student who prays for understanding must also study and prepare, so too must we diligently pursue knowledge of God and His Word, trusting that God will guide and empower us in our pursuit.
The formula for gaining knowledge in both the academic and spiritual realms is essentially the same: we ask for God’s help, and then we take action. A student may pray for understanding in their exams, but if they don’t study, they will not gain the wisdom needed to succeed. The same is true in seeking spiritual wisdom. After praying for wisdom, we need to actively search for it, particularly through the study of God’s Word.
In Matthew 22:37, Jesus commands:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.”
When you commit yourself to loving God with your entire heart, mind, and strength, and use your God-given abilities to pursue Him, His wisdom will flow into your heart. Through this, you will grow in your knowledge of God and gain the ability to discern and understand deeper truths as time progresses. The Lord will direct your paths, and you will grow in wisdom.
What about Solomon? Did he receive wisdom the same way?
The answer is yes! Solomon, after asking God for wisdom, did not simply sit back and wait for wisdom to be poured into him. No, instead, he sought it through study, reflection, and learning. The Bible tells us in Ecclesiastes 12:9-10:
“And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he pondered and sought out and set in order many proverbs. The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright—words of truth.” (NKJV)
Solomon, after asking God for wisdom, did not just wait passively. Instead, he diligently sought wisdom through studying God’s ways and life’s mysteries. He spent time thinking deeply and researching various topics, even to the point of exhaustion. He says in Ecclesiastes 12:12, “Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh.” (NKJV)
Solomon’s pursuit of wisdom was not a simple task. It required hard work, deep contemplation, and a lot of study. He was physically tired from his efforts to understand and write down his findings. But this kind of effort was not wasted, as it led to profound wisdom that still speaks to us today.
Have you ever sought God’s wisdom so diligently that your body grew weary?
It’s important to note that the weariness Solomon speaks of is not the kind of tiredness from a short period of study or distraction. This is the kind of exhaustion that comes from a long, intentional pursuit of understanding, where your mind is filled with knowledge and your body feels physically drained from the mental effort involved.
In the same way, as believers, we are called to seek God’s wisdom with diligence and perseverance, just as Solomon did. The pursuit of godly wisdom requires us to study God’s Word seriously, reflect deeply, and make sacrifices to know God better.
As Proverbs 2:10 says:
“For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.” (NIV)
This verse shows that wisdom is not just an intellectual pursuit. It enters the heart and becomes something that delights the soul. When we seek wisdom from God, it transforms our hearts and minds, helping us to align our lives with His will.
The Wisdom of God Starts with Salvation
If you have not yet come to faith in Christ, it is important to understand that salvation is the foundation of true wisdom. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), and accepting Jesus Christ as your Savior is the first step in receiving godly wisdom. The Bible says in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (NKJV)
If you are not yet saved, I encourage you to accept Christ today. Repent of your sins, believe in His sacrifice on the cross, and receive His forgiveness. Through Christ, you will begin to understand divine wisdom that will guide you in all areas of life.
Conclusion
The pursuit of divine wisdom is a diligent and intentional process. It requires prayer, study, and effort. Just as a student must work hard after praying for understanding, so must we seek God’s wisdom with all our hearts. As we engage in this pursuit, God will faithfully guide us, and His wisdom will fill our hearts, enabling us to live lives that honor Him. Let us seek His wisdom with all our hearts, for the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Maranatha!
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