If there is a singular work of literature needed most for wisdom, it is the book of Proverbs. Written primarily by King Solomon of Israel, the wisest man ever to live, it overflows with sayings and adages for how to live a good life.
In your endeavor to read this wisdom book, consider Proverbs 1:2-3 (ESV) as a mission statement of sorts.
“To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing.”
This is its purpose—to provide people with principles and instructions for wise living. It covers areas such as finances, marriage, parenting, friendships, emotions, honesty, work ethic, adversity, and so much more. It’s a gift to humanity in how to navigate all areas of our lives! This is wisdom in its simplest form—enduring truths that lend to a righteous life.
As a woman, there is insight into how to be a godly wife and mother. How to navigate difficult situations with others, the value of friendship, and tools to manage your home, just to name a few. In addition, there’s a whole chapter devoted to being a woman of God (and we’ll get to that in a moment).
Understanding its treasure will likely take a lifetime, but it’s a journey worth taking. The question is: where do you start?
How to Get Wisdom
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,” Proverbs 1:7 (ESV).
Friend, this is the beginning of wisdom—to fear God. Taking a humble posture, realizing you don’t have it all figured out, and acknowledging that God is the ultimate source of wisdom. To know God and his understanding, your approach must be reverent.
In stark contrast, the fool has no awe for a holy God and rejects instruction (1:29). We fight against this daily, as our predisposition for fleshly decision-making is ever close in our own strength.
With that said, to gain wisdom, you must accept your limitations in understanding and press into an omniscient God. Here, under his tutelage, you will find what you’re searching for—guidance in how to live. And not just to live, but to flourish in the Kingdom of God while battling the Kingdom of darkness.
But it doesn’t stop with a prayer; that’s only the beginning. To find wisdom, you must be willing to pay the cost. Look at Proverbs 4:7 (NIV),
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.”
Ok, we got that down, right? But there’s more to the verse:
“Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
Wisdom has a cost, but it’s valuable and worth spending a lifetime searching for. The trouble is, we’re often too busy searching for other things: wealth, a family, success, identity, acceptance, and so forth. But all of those things will leave you unsatisfied, dear sister.
Solomon, who wrote a majority of the proverbs, was a man who had everything he wanted. What we seek, he had. And you know what? In the book of Ecclesiastes, he says it was all “meaningless.” All those things he spent a lifetime obtaining left him empty. So when he tells us in Proverbs to devote everything we have to wisdom, we should take note, lest we make a similar mistake.
What’s the cost you must pay? There are a few practices that will help you grow in wisdom.
1. Read the Bible every day. Although I wouldn’t label it a cost as much as an investment that is one hundred percent worth it! Yes, all of Scripture, but specifically, spend time regularly in Proverbs. It’s full of principles for how to live in a way that produces good.
Speaking of principles: Proverbs isn’t a book of promises but rather principles, so we must be careful not to hang our hats on them. Instead, they are truths or concepts for wise living. They guide and protect the life that generally applies their instruction. Take Proverbs 22:7 (ESV) for example:
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
If we take this as a promise, we might question God and become bitter when our child wanders. Instead, it’s a principle that states, in general, that if you invest in your child godly practices, they are more likely to walk with God later in life.
Invest your time in gaining godly wisdom from God’s Word, and you’ll notice a natural grace in your life as it guides you.
2. Prayer is necessary. Sitting in God's presence, with ears open to listen, is essential. How often do we make prayer about speaking and miss the listening altogether? It truly takes a spark of wisdom to hear, but once you do, the more you will develop a habit of listening, and the more wisdom you will have.
I implore you to sit in his presence regularly, without saying a word, and hear what the Holy Spirit wants to speak into the life of a listening believer eager to grow in divine understanding.
3. Community and mentorship. Surround yourself with people who can sharpen you (Proverbs 27:17). When you do that, you invite wisdom from others, much like the writers of Proverbs passed down truths to a new generation. You remain open to instruction and feedback. Mentors invest, and a community betters, passing down years of understanding that can keep you on a righteous path.
I wholeheartedly believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without my mentors, pastors, friends, and Christian community! We are not an island, friend. Lean into the people around you.
4. Practice what you’re learning. What value is gaining understanding if you don’t live it out? James compels us to, “be doers of the word, and not hearers only,” James 1:22 (ESV). So take something with you from God’s word daily and seek to apply it in some way that day.
The Woman of Noble Character
I’d be remiss if we sat here in Proverbs and failed to discuss her. You know, the Proverbs 31 woman! What a standard to live up to, isn’t she?
This chapter is about a mother speaking to her son, so it’s important to note that it is first a list for a man seeking a wife and secondarily a checklist for a woman. Although, that doesn’t really relieve much of the pressure to be her, does it?
This woman is a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a wise household manager. Her qualities inspire admiration and respect, serving as a timeless example of strength and grace. She is an example of a woman who has applied herself to gain and live out wisdom.
She is competent (v. 10), brings constant and consistent good to the people in her life (v. 11), works hard (v. 15), gives her best in whatever she produces (v. 18), helps those in need (v. 20), prepares for the future (v. 21), and opens her mouth and teaches (v. 26). Opening your mouth indicates thoughtful speech, and teaching on the tongue speaks to something more spontaneous. In season and out of season, the woman is enriched in wisdom and speech.
As a natural result of such living, the woman we have examined here will be respected by others and receive an eternal reward from God (v. 31).
Proverbs 31 is a heartfelt tribute to the virtuous woman, a testament to the enduring influence of wisdom, and a celebration of the qualities of strength, dignity, and compassion. It is a call for us, as daughters of the Most High King, to consider and embrace. To devote a life to learning and pay the high cost of gaining. Being a woman of such valor may seem intimidating, but it’s not meant to discourage.
It is wisdom in action for every woman.
As a natural result of such living, the woman we have examined here will be respected by others and receive an eternal reward from God (v. 31).
Proverbs 31 is a heartfelt tribute to the virtuous woman, a testament to the enduring influence of wisdom, and a celebration of the qualities of strength, dignity, and compassion. It is a call for us, as daughters of the Most High King, to consider and embrace. To devote a life to learning and pay the high cost of gaining. Being a woman of such valor may seem intimidating, but it’s not meant to discourage.
It is wisdom in action for every woman.