Proverbs, Chapter 4

As the heading of today's chapter states, wisdom is supreme. It is also found all around us. Since God is always accessible, His wisdom is always accessible to us as well. We don't have to go on some great hunt for the wisdom we seek. It is often right there in front of us. Solomon makes and interesting point about that early on, speaking about how he gained wisdom from his father, David.

 ³ When I was a boy in my father's house,
       still tender, and an only child of my mother,

 ⁴ he taught me and said,
       "Lay hold of my words with all your heart;
       keep my commands and you will live.

 ⁵ Get wisdom, get understanding;
       do not forget my words or swerve from them.

 ⁶ Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you;
       love her, and she will watch over you. – Proverbs 4:3-6

For many, this is where the root of wisdom comes from. It comes from a mentor that is willing to instill the proper teaching in us early. In a way, that is another responsibility that comes from seeking wisdom. We must also be willing to share it with others so that they may know. That is part of our responsibility, and it is our charge from the Great Commission given to us by Christ at the end of Matthew.

Wisdom means nothing if we horde it for ourselves. Wisdom is something that needs action. It needs a change to grow and flourish, otherwise it is not true wisdom. Think about your education. If you are a doctor, what good is all the wisdom you have gained in school if you do not put it into practice? It means nothing, right? It is the use of the Wisdom that God provides for us that is the true value of that wisdom.

²⁰ My son, pay attention to what I say;
       listen closely to my words.

 ²¹ Do not let them out of your sight,
       keep them within your heart;

 ²² for they are life to those who find them
       and health to a man's whole body.

 ²³ Above all else, guard your heart,
       for it is the wellspring of life. – Proverbs 4:20-23

We are to keep this wisdom in our heart because that is where we often make our decisions. Sure, there are plenty of decisions we think through completely. There are quick decision, however, that must be made with the heart. With God's wisdom in our heart we always have the proper foundation to make these decisions.