Beatitudes #2—Finding Wisdom

Fortunate are they who find wisdom, who obtain understanding, for these are more profitable than silver and yield better returns than gold. … Fortunate are all who hold on to them. Proverbs 3:13–18

Wisdom is the ability to see and secure a future for ourselves that we will enjoy forever, with no regrets. Applying it is incomparably delightful. If we are consistent in its use, it will enable us to live long, full lives characterized by harmony, balance, and happiness. It will enable us to relate to others with kindness and faithfulness, with righteousness and justice. Living wisely will keep us from missing out on all the Lord has in store for us. While silver and gold are stable sources of joy for now, when the elements melt at the end of this age, they will vanish. Therefore they are neither secure nor ultimately satisfying. Eventually we would come to regret relying on them. It is so much better to store up treasure in heaven. So we must ask, “How do we find wisdom so that we understand the best way to live?” We find it in the teaching God has provided through his spokesmen in the Scriptures. He has told us what is good, what is truly pleasing and effective. He requires that we act justly, love being extravagantly kind, and walk in humble fellowship with him. We find wisdom by considering the lives of the characters in his story—both the wise and the foolish—and particularly in the life of Jesus. And, we find wisdom by asking for it, because he gives it “generously and without reproach.”

Wise and omnipotent God, grant me an understanding mind and a wise heart so I can lovingly discern between good and evil until Christ returns.