Proverbs 2:6
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For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
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There is one Source of wisdom, and to look elsewhere is foolish and wasteful. All wisdom is in the LORD Himself, and He gives it to whomsoever He will. Knowledge and understanding are also His gifts, and He speaks them by His Spirit, Word, and preachers.
Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are related aspects of the ability to judge rightly. They are the means by which we can identify truth and error, right and wrong, good and evil. They are the conditions for a blessed and successful life of peace and righteousness.
Human intelligence is not the source of wisdom. Intelligence is a handicap. A farmer of modest intelligence who fears God will have greater wisdom than the genius trusting his analytical mind. For the LORD giveth wisdom! Parents need not grieve over a below average child; they can still teach him wisdom that will bring favor with God and men!
Human education is not the source of wisdom. Education is a handicap. A farmer with little formal education who fears God will be far ahead of the city boy with a PhD in molecular science. For the LORD giveth wisdom! The one sees God in every aspect of his farm and life; the other hallucinates about big bang theories and monkeys. God has declared war against this approach to wisdom (I Cor 1:19-20; 3:18-20; I Tim 6:20-21).
Human diligence is not the source of wisdom. Though men seeking wisdom should apply themselves energetically to its pursuit (2:4; 18:1; II Tim 2:15), unless God blesses the effort, it will be in vain (Ps 127:1-2; Eccl 8:17). While reading and studying, a man of God must ask the Lord to guide and prosper his way (Ps 119:18; Matt 13:17). The Pharisees and scribes knew the Scriptures thoroughly, but not with any understanding.
Man comes into this world like a wild ass's colt, and he goes out the same way (Job 11:12; Eccl 3:19-21). And during his life he suffers with a deceitful and depraved heart: so bad he cannot fully grasp it (Jer 17:9-10). The most intelligent of these asses led worship of the sun, Pharaoh, totem poles, and bugs (Is 44:9-20; Rom 1:20-23). But today we see new lows - they worship themselves and their own abilities! They see all their colleagues dying, yet they continue to spout the same ignorant filth (Ps 49:10-13).
Even natural wisdom comes from the LORD. God gave Bezaleel great skill for making the intricate tabernacle (Ex 31:1-11). Where do you think agriculture wisdom came from, trial and error (Is 28:23-29)? Inventors are not educated; they are created (8:12). Thomas Edison and others never went to school or profited from it. God gave them their inventive genius. And God takes such men away from a nation when He chooses (Is 3:1-5).
Spiritual wisdom is even more lopsided in its origin. Man by nature cannot and will not understand spiritual truth (Rom 3:11; 8:7-8; I Cor 2:14). God must powerfully recreate his soul in regeneration (I Cor 2:15; Eph 1:19; 2:1). And unless He does this, man is unable to understand anything (John 3:3; 8:43,John 3:3). See the comments on 20:12.
What can you do to obtain wisdom? Humble yourself and confess your great ignorance and helplessness. To obtain wisdom from God, a man must become a fool (I Cor 3:18-20). See the comments on 30:3. You must tremble before the Most High (Is 57:15; 66:2).
Then you must ask for it. The LORD gave Solomon great wisdom and largeness of heart, for his simple and noble request (I Kgs 3:5-15; 4:29-34). And He offers the same liberal terms to any who will ask (Jas 1:5). Instead of wishing you were Solomon, pray (Jas 4:2)!
Then you must read for it. The LORD has revealed His wisdom in the Bible. If a man will reject his own ideas and those of his ignorant race to trust the Holy Scriptures, he will gain in wisdom rapidly (Ps 119:130; Is 8:20; II Tim 3:16-17; II Pet 1:19).
Then you must listen for it. The LORD appoints, prepares, and sends ambassadors with His wisdom (Neh 8:8; Eccl 12:9-11; Jer 3:15; Mal 2:7; Acts 8:30-31; 26:16-18). But they will only benefit those who hear them receptively (Acts 17:11; I Thess 5:20-21).
Then you must read and consider Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. God gave two books in His Word with a greater emphasis on wisdom in general than the others. Those truly seeking wisdom will seek unto these two books to acquire it by God's special gift (1:1-7).
Reader, where have you been looking for wisdom? What have you been trusting for knowledge and understanding? Solomon would say, "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (3:5-6). Confidence in your own opinions and thinking is folly.
Why seek to a wild ass's colt for wisdom? Go to the Lord Jesus, for in Him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col 2:3). Humble yourself this very hour and confess your need to Him. Ask for it; read for it; listen for it; and consider this proverb.
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