Wisdom is inescapable. You would find her at the gate if you missed wisdom on the hill because you looked down and missed her. If you missed her where the paths meet again, you would find her at the entrance just before entering your house. It is in your face. And if you missed her at the gate, you would find her at the door to your room. In all these places, wisdom does not sit quietly. It cries out and lifts its voice. It is screaming at the top of her voice! She’s right where you are. Pay attention to her.
“She takes her stand on the top of the high 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:‘To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men.’” (Pro 8: 2-4). All of us wonder where to find wisdom. How can a person who desires to be wise have access to it? Interestingly, wisdom is presented as a female to show that we must pursue her as a man seeks a woman.
I. “The encountered wisdom”
It is seen by all. It stands in a high and lofty place, fully exposed to all who seek it. It is exalted on top of the hill so anyone approaching can see it. It is not hidden in a remote part of the Earth, requiring an adventure to a deep, dark, mystical place. This is how biblical wisdom differs from the wisdom of the occult. In the occult, wisdom is always hidden. In the Bible, it is revealed.
II. “Wisdom is commonplace.”
God’s wisdom is not for a selected elite who gets into mysterious orders or fellowship; it is by the wayside. Jesus taught the most profound ideas using every activity like farming, building a house or marriage. God instructs us to learn wisdom from the ant and observe everyday occurrences. You don’t need to know the most powerful words or recite mysterious incantations to access biblical wisdom; neither do you need to travel a long distance to find it.
III. “Wisdom is accessible.”
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding;He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly; He guards the paths of justice and preserves the way of His saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path.” (Pro 2:6-7; emp added). If you have lived in a small town or village, you can relate to this. The place where the paths meet is the junction; it is where people meet. Wherever people meet, wisdom is there. It is found in the intersection, living rooms, classrooms, dorms, restaurants and playgrounds because God is found in all those places and freely gives it to all who desire it.
IV. “Privileged wisdom”
The wise use their information rightly; they do not misuse it. Some people do not know how to use the information that comes to them. If they see it, they will say it. If they hear it, they will repeat it. A wise person knows how to use privileged information. Any information that comes to your attention because of honoured access, especially in a classified position, is confidential. “The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of the fool pours forth foolishness.” (Pro 15:2). Wise people speak words that help people be more knowledgeable and increase their learning. There are those whose words diminish wisdom. After listening to them, you come out more ignorant than before. When wise people are at a meeting, they seek to increase the group’s understanding of the problem they are solving.
Scriptures.
Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her; she will preserve you; love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you, bringing you honour when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of Grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you. (Pro 4:5-9).
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil (Pro 3:7).
Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding (Pro 10:13).
