Mensa Otabil - Where Do We Find Wisdom?
- Watch
- Donate
We’re continuing our lesson on wisdom in our devotion for this week as we think about how to bear practical fruits in our lives. We’ve talked about the dimensions of wisdom, and today we’re going to look at where to find wisdom. Where do we go looking for wisdom? Proverbs Chapter 8, verses 2 and 3 say, «She takes her stand on the top of the hill beside the way, where the paths meet; she cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entrance of the doors."We’re always trying to gain wisdom, and people say, «Oh, I want to be wise; I want to be a very wise person. Where do we get wisdom from?»
Well, this passage tells us where wisdom is found, and interestingly, in Proverbs Chapter 8, wisdom is described as «she» or as female. This signifies that we must prize wisdom as a man seeks for a woman. First, it says that wisdom is found on the top of the hill, which means that wisdom is exposed; it is not hidden. Wisdom is high and lifted up; it is exalted. It’s not in a valley or in a secret place; it’s not hidden in some remote part of the earth requiring an adventure into a deep, dark mystical location. So when you want to be wise, you don’t need to travel a long distance to find it.
The passage tells us that wisdom is right there on the mountaintop. It is exposed and available.Secondly, it states that wisdom is beside the way, meaning that wisdom is commonplace. It is not for a selected elite who need a mysterious initiation into unique processes that ordinary people do not understand. Biblical wisdom is not a secret; it does not require special initiation. Biblical wisdom is on top of the hill; it’s out in the open and by the wayside-commonplace.
God teaches wisdom by telling us to look at the ant and to study even animals; they all teach us wisdom. The plants teach wisdom. Wisdom is indeed commonplace.
Thirdly, according to Proverbs Chapter 8, wisdom is at the place where the paths meet, which tells us that wisdom is accessible; it’s at the junctions of life. A junction is a place where everybody can reach it; everyone has access. The picture you get is that God has not hidden wisdom in a secret place requiring extraordinary efforts to obtain it. Instead, God has placed wisdom right where we are. It’s right in front of us, on top of the hill, by the wayside, and at life’s junctions. You cannot miss it.Wisdom is also by the gates. If you missed wisdom on the hill because you were looking down or missed it by the roadside due to distractions, how could you miss wisdom at the gate? It’s right there in front of you. The passage tells us that wisdom is clear before you, and if all that misses you, wisdom is at the door of your house. So when you’re getting home and you open your door, wisdom is inescapable. It’s right in front of you.
Why does the Bible present wisdom in such a manner? In other words, the Bible tells us it takes extraordinary effort to be unwise; you must deliberately choose to be foolish. The most common thing God has made available to us is to behave wisely. If we follow God’s path, wisdom comes naturally and easily. It’s there, and He teaches us wisdom daily. However, if we choose our way and avoid what is obvious, we’ll live a life that is far lower than wisdom, which is not beneficial to us.So, wisdom is in the public square, and in all these places, wisdom cries out, «Here I am! Learn from me!» God has made it easy for you and me to be wise; if we don’t complicate life and just trust the Lord, He will bring us to wisdom, and we will make the greatest, wisest choices of our lives.
Let’s pray. Say with me, «Heavenly Father, help me to identify all the examples of wisdom that You have placed in my way.» In Jesus' name, amen and amen. Wisdom is right in front of you; learn from it, observe, and you will be wise. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom-peace and life to you.