In this eight-part devotional series, we’ll journey through Proverbs, exploring its key themes and what it means to live a life shaped by godly wisdom.
Proverbs is well known as a book of wisdom, but what is wisdom?
While knowledge is the possession of factual information, wisdom is using that knowledge for decisions that benefits our lives, as well as the lives of those around us. It gives us discernment: the ability to rightly judge between different situations and to respond accordingly. It also equips us to know what is fitting and pleasing to God. In fact, wisdom is the alignment of our hearts, minds, and actions with God’s will and character. As Proverbs teaches:
‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.’ Proverbs 9:10.
This ‘fear’ is not about terror, but reverence—an awe-filled trust that places God at the centre of all understanding. True wisdom begins when we recognise that God knows best and submit ourselves to his will:
‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge him, And he shall direct your paths.’ Proverbs 3:5–6.
Proverbs tells us that wisdom is divinely bestowed. The Lord gives it to the righteous:
‘For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous.’ Proverbs 2:6–7.
To be wise is to receive many benefits, including protection from harm:
‘Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee: To deliver thee from the way of the evil man, from the man that speaketh froward things.’ Proverbs 2:11–12.
It brings peace and good things into our lives:
‘Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.’ Proverbs 3:17.
'He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good.’ Proverbs 19:8.
Wisdom allows us to discern between what is and isn’t in alignment with God’s Word:
‘Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path.’ Proverbs 2:9.
It brings prosperity and long life:
'Happy is the man that findeth wisdom ... She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour.’ Proverbs 3:13–16.
While these benefits are vast, the most comforting truth is that wisdom is available to anyone who asks. When we find ourselves in a season where we lack direction or clarity, we can rest assured that God is a generous source of the wisdom we need. As we are reminded in the New Testament:
‘If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.’ James 1:5.
Here, ‘upbraideth not’ means that God will not condemn or criticise us for asking. He welcomes the request and promises to honour it.
Wisdom is a gift to be sought, received, and lived out daily. As we grow in wisdom, it shapes not only our inner lives but our relationship with others.
In the next part, we’ll consider how wisdom is expressed through our speech, and what Proverbs teaches about the power of the tongue.
View other devotionals in this series