There is almost nothing more precious than family. As believers, we have two families—our biological family and the family of God. Within the family unit, loyalty, love, trust, safety, and security envelop us, and our identity is established. Our immediate family includes parents, brothers, sisters, and children. If successfully nurtured and cherished, the bond formed between family members can be the greatest, most effective sounding board we have as we tackle life’s situations and problems. Family members can be our most trusted confidants and counselors.
In the Bible, wisdom is often presented as a person, so “wisdom” becomes “Wisdom”. God encourages us to seek wisdom, and even to include Wisdom as an immediate family member! Say to Wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call Understanding your intimate friend (Proverbs 7:4 NASB). Our sister, Wisdom, talks to us in Proverbs 1:20-21, 23 (NLT): Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street … “Come and listen to my counsel. I'll share my heart with you and make you wise.” Isn’t that sweet? How glorious the heart of Wisdom must be, and she will share it with us! My sisters—both in my immediate family and in the family of God—share their hearts with me from time to time, and it is a most precious thing that I treasure very much. So too, the Lord places great value on Wisdom, for He says in Job 28:17-19 (NLT), Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal. It cannot be purchased with jewels mounted in fine gold. Coral and jasper are worthless in trying to get it. The price of wisdom is far above rubies. Precious peridot from Ethiopia cannot be exchanged for it. It's worth more than the purest gold.
What if we’re just not wise? What if we don’t even know what wisdom is, let alone have her for a sister? Where do we start? How do we find this mysterious sister named Wisdom? Job 28:23, 27-28 (NLT) sheds some light… God alone understands the way to wisdom; He knows where it can be found... He saw wisdom and evaluated it. He set it in place and examined it thoroughly. And this is what He says to all humanity: 'The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.’
The answer is closer than you think! In fact, wisdom is just a prayer away. James 1:5-6 (NLT) says, If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. Just ask Him for it, and walk in the fear of the Lord. I remember times when my own sisters found something they knew I would love, and they called out to me to hurry and see what they discovered—maybe an item in a store or a lovely picture or a beautiful musical arrangement. Wisdom calls to us, like a sister, knowing that what she has for us is good and right and will bless us. Listen to what she says in Proverbs 9:11-12 (MSG), It's through me, Lady Wisdom, that your life deepens, and the years of your life ripen. Live wisely and wisdom will permeate your life; mock life and life will mock you.
Maybe you’ve never had a sister, or have lost one. Get to know Wisdom, and make her your sister. Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly (Proverbs 3:13-18 NLT). Who wouldn’t want her for a sister?? Get her, and keep her in your family!
© 2020, Chris Werre