I am delighted to once again be joining other bloggers for Spiritual Journey Thursday. I missed a couple of months, but I am glad to be back this month. Today's journey is hosted by Ruth at There is no such thing as God-forsaken town and the theme is "I don't know." Please feel free to join me!
I have been studying the book of Proverbs this month, taking a deep dive into the definition of "wisdom." I am taking a chapter a day, but I think this is quite fitting for this month's theme: I don't know.
I always thought wisdom was information or facts I knew. I have come to learn that experiential knowledge is what lead leads to wisdom, not factual knowledge.
I have found five foundational principles throughout these first 10 chapters.
- wisdom--knowledge or an ability to make the right choices
- understanding--rational thinking
- prudence--ability to use reason to discipline ourselves
- knowledge--to experience reality
- discretion--behaving to avoid being offensive
- discernment--ability to judge between right and wrong
- the fear of the Lord--a worshipful awe of God
I have learned that just reading scripture isn't going to help me find wisdom. I have to act on it and gain that experiential knowledge by reading and accepting His word; being obedient by living His commandments; and continuing to search for wisdom like it's a "hidden treasure" (2:4).
I know when I "do not rely on my own understanding," I will find peace and happiness, my worries will not seem so burdensome, and "He will make my path straight" (3:5-6)." But this is not always easy for me to do. I oftentimes act on impulse; I don't think things through before I do something.
This is not wisdom.
Sometimes I think I have the right answer because "I know things."
This is not wisdom.
Chapter 8 taught me that everywhere I look, wisdom is calling out. But what keeps me from not seeing it or keeps me in the I don't know?" Am I taking the time to search for wisdom or to notice it. Sometimes, it's easier to just say, "I don't know."
It seems like I am always in a hurry. Maybe not so much in the summer, but certainly during the school year. I need to slow down, embrace times of quietness, and discern if my actions are based on wisdom. Again, this is not always easy for me to do.
These first ten chapters have certainly given me something to think about, and I am looking forward to becoming wiser.
As I work through the remaining chapters of the book of Proverbs, I will continue to pray these words:
"Lord, help me to slow down in my search for wisdom and
come to understand the treasure that she is, so that I can
come to know You better."