10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
And years of life will be added to you.
Solomon, Proverbs 9:10 and 11. Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible writes of wisdom this way: “Wisdom is a capacity of the mind; in the OT it involves both knowledge and the ability to direct the mind toward a full understanding of human life and toward its moral fulfillment. Wisdom is thus a special capacity, necessary for full human living, but one which can be acquired through education and the application of the mind.” Wisdom, our focus for this month, is almost an endangered species—yet, a rich, full life is dependent on it. Through the ancient book of Proverbs God has generously shared with us a broad collection of valuable insights into living life well, richly. Our application of this wisdom, the writer asserts, will extend, enrich our lives. I could use that—how about you? Yet, in this quest, it’s essential to observe that it isn’t really the ‘wise words’ themselves that extend and enrich life—it’s fellowship with the Wise One, the beautiful God of Scripture. Knowing him is real source of a full, rich life. So, while we’ll find value in every tidbit of wisdom we encounter—it’s actually a relationship with God that really makes life rich and meaningful. Miss this, and all the wisdom in the world turns out to be an empty, disapointing pursuit.
