The Wisest Path: Embracing God’s Wisdom

MESSAGE BY PASTOR RATAN

Snack for the Soul

Pastor Ratan Babu Baipa

May 9, 2024

Wisdom is a precious and powerful gift, one that the book of Proverbs repeatedly urges us to pursue with all our hearts. In Proverbs 4:5-8, we find a particularly compelling exhortation to acquire godly wisdom our highest priority in life. This passage paints a vivid picture of the immense value of wisdom and the blessings that come to those who diligently seek it.

The Hebrew word for “wisdom” used here is “chokmah” ( ה ָמ ְכָח(, which derives from the root “chakam” (םַכָח(, meaning “to be wise, act wisely, make wise, show oneself wise”. This suggests that true wisdom involves not just intellectual understanding, but the ability to discern inner qualities, relationships, and the proper application of knowledge. The Greek word “sophia” (σοφία) carries a similar meaning, encompassing a broad and full intelligence, the knowledge of diverse matters, and the ability to judge what is true, right, and lasting.

The Priceless Value of Wisdom

The opening verses of Proverbs 4 make it clear that wisdom is a gift from God that far surpasses earthly treasures: “Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you” (Proverbs 4:5-6). The passage portrays wisdom as a precious jewel to be sought after and cherished above all else.

This sentiment echoes the words of Job, who declared, “The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding” (Job 28:28). The wise King Solomon also extolled the virtues of wisdom, writing, “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver” (Proverbs 16:16).

The Pathway to Life and Honor

Proverbs 4:7-8 further emphasizes the transformative power of wisdom, stating, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you
embrace her.” This promise of exaltation and honor resonates with the words of the psalmist, who declared, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding” (Psalm 111:10).

The Greek philosopher Plato echoed this sentiment, writing, “Wisdom is the knowledge of knowledge”. In other words, true wisdom goes beyond mere facts and figures; it is the ability to discern the deeper truths that lead to a life of purpose, meaning, and honor.

Guarding the Gift of Wisdom

However, Proverbs 4:5-8 also cautions us that wisdom must be diligently sought and faithfully guarded, lest we forget or forsake it. The passage urges us to “not forget” and “not turn away” from the words of wisdom, for to do so would be to invite trouble and lose the blessings that come from walking in the ways of the Lord.

This call to vigilance is echoed in the words of the apostle Paul, who warned the Colossian believers, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). In a world that constantly seeks to pull us away from the truth, we must guard our hearts and minds, keeping them firmly rooted in the wisdom that comes from God.

In Proverbs 4:5-8, we are presented with a powerful and timeless call to make the pursuit of godly wisdom our highest priority. This wisdom, which is a precious gift from the Lord, holds the key to a life of abundance, purpose, and honor. By embracing the principles of wisdom outlined in this passage and diligently guarding the gift we have been given, we can experience the transformative power of walking in the ways of the Lord.

So let us heed the call to “get wisdom” and make it our life’s mission to know and follow the wisdom that flows from the very throne of God. For in doing so, we will discover the wisest path forward, one that leads to a life of true fulfillment and eternal blessing