Learning what wisdom is from learning wisdom

The opening verses of Proverbs provide further reasons why this book matters.

In the first case, these sayings help us to know what wisdom actually is. Verse 2 says the proverbs are for learning what learning really is! As we wrestle with all the proverbs, we become increasingly aware that this concept of wisdom really does exist. The sheer volume of proverbs reflects the abundance of choices life presents to us. Each of these choices comes with its own consequences. Without wisdom, we’ll inevitably experience negative consequences. With it, life will go better. Righteousness. Justice. Integrity. What is good. What is fair. What is honourable? These things are the essence of the good life and are all served well by wisdom.

In reality, wisdom comes with experience. As you grow older, you begin to realise that your life is made up of a constellation of choices. Some choices are big; some are small. All are influential. At times the abundance of choices can be quite overwhelming and anxiety-inducing! What if this choice sends me down the wrong path? What if there is a better path? Without experience, how can you know? Leaning on the advice of those who have gone before can save much heartache. Ignoring it very often leads to pain. This is why the proverbs frequently urge a child to heed the instruction of their parents. They are “for teaching shrewdness to the inexperienced, knowledge and discretion to a young man“.

And, so, the mere task of listening is, in itself, a profoundly wise thing. Ignoring advice because you think you know better or can figure things out yourself is exceedingly stupid. Work hard at listening. Your future self will thank you for it.

Above all, listening to God, and honouring God as God is the master key to a good life. A truly wise person longs for what is right and hungers to be a better contributor to life. For such a person, there is no better foundation for life than to humbly revere the author of life. True wisdom flows from true humility, and true humility will always look up to God. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. Without this as the first step, nothing else will hold together.