In a world consumed with various perspectives, opinions, conflict, and self-interest, it is the peacemaker who takes a step back and seeks the wisdom that can only come from the Lord. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life,” (John 14:6). When asking ourselves how to think about something or what to do, we look to God who revealed himself to us in the person of Jesus Christ. We look to our Lord Jesus Christ who is the source of wisdom and truth. We ask ourselves, faithfully and prayerfully, who is Jesus? And who am I?
Let’s allow Proverbs chapter 2 to guide us in seeking wisdom and truth.
2:1-2
My child, if you accept my words
and treasure up my commandments within you,
making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
There is deep beauty in allowing the truth you hear to take root in your heart. The Word of the Lord produces fruit when the hearer becomes the doer. Turning your heart towards true understanding is embracing the truth of who you are through embracing the commandments of the Lord.
2:3-5
if you indeed cry out for insight,
and raise your voice for understanding;
if you seek it like silver,
and search for it as for hidden treasures—
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
Seeking understanding involves action and effort that begins with the pure desire to know where God is calling you. To discover where He is calling you, you are invited to call out to Him. Cry out to the Lord for “insight” and He truly will reveal the knowledge that can only come from Him. This is especially fruitful in times of confusion when the truth isn’t clear. He is the Truth, so to seek Him for clarity means seeking the knowledge of Him. The Knowledge of Him is different than knowing about Him. Seek WHO He is…His walk, His words, His life…and your thoughts and choices will be guided by who He is.
2:6
For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
True wisdom comes only from the Lord. If another’s words guide you towards Him, it is because that person is guided by Him. If something feels off with a certain perspective, it might be because it points more towards the self than the other. “From his mouth” comes what we need to know to find our way. If we are rooted in His words, we are rooted in the Truth, which enables us to be our true selves. Finding perspective and understanding can be overwhelming when there are many perspectives. This is why distinguishing between harmless and harmful preferences is key. I may prefer books to movies. There is no harm in that. My preferences make me unique and, in some cases, gifted to offer something needed to the world. The danger is when I allow my preferences to separate me from or put me against others, which has the potential to cause more harm that good. Love with your preferences and take time to seek perspective that brings connection and healing.
2:7-8
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk blamelessly,
guarding the paths of justice
and preserving the way of his faithful ones.
The Lord equips us and gives us what we need to “walk blamelessly.” Knowledge of Him gives us the understanding we need to remain in His Truth. Different invitations and perspectives have the potential to take us away from who He is and who we are, if we choose to let them. Armed with the “shield” His wisdom provides, we can be conscious to not let ideas that aren’t from Him take root in our hearts. Seeds are thrown at us every day. The best way to sift through them and discard what is harmful is to look to the wisdom of the Lord.
His Wisdom draws us to others. His Wisdom invites us to disappear so He can appear. His Wisdom takes away “I” and welcomes “we.” His wisdom generates peace and healing. Our lives will produce the fruit of God’s Kingdom when we seek to set ourselves aside and embrace Him as the one Truth.
