Storing Up Spiritual Wisdom
A few years ago I joined a friend on a trip to an antique junkyard. By junkyard, I mean a plot of land with heaps and piles of old things scattered all around for you to dig through. At first glance, the piles looked overwhelming and impossible to find something. But once we really got in there, sifting and searching, we could find the most incredible antique pieces. After investing our time and attention to uncovering the hidden gems, we left with unique and valuable items. Rummaging through piles of antiques is a lot like searching for wisdom in the pages of the Bible. When we are faced with decisions or difficult circumstances, and we look to God's Word for help, it may seem daunting and overwhelming at times. But when we spend time faithfully and intentionally searching to uncover the riches of the knowledge of God, we will find them. Proverbs 2:3-6 says,
Furthermore, if you call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
The more we give time and attention to God's Word, the more we store up valuable spiritual wisdom in our hearts. There is so much that God speaks to in His Word. He may not address every situation specifically, but His Words speak truth into any given circumstance. Spiritual wisdom is the ability to think and discern based on what we know to be true about God and His Word. It helps us to live and respond in a way that is honorable and pleasing to God. When we walk through seasons of pain and suffering, we can find comfort in calling to mind what we know to be true about God. When we face difficult decisions, we can use spiritual wisdom to be careful and discerning. It brings us safety and counsel to call to remember in times of need. It anchors us when our emotions run wild or our surroundings are shaking. Spiritual wisdom gives us guidance in a world that constantly presents new options and choices for us. There is great value in storing up wisdom found in God's Word. Proverbs 3:13-15 says,
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold. She is more precious than jewels; and nothing you desire compares with her.
The pursuit of spiritual wisdom is more valuable than any earthly riches. It withstands the times and strengthens with age. It will never lose its purpose or prove to be useless. The wisdom that comes from above is a profound mystery. God intentionally displays what He finds necessary for us to know now and He withholds that which we should know later (Deuteronomy 29:29). We can trust what God leads us to understand and find confidence in the truth He presents to us.
Though we have access to incredible education, rich resources, brilliant people who provide us with information, and experiences at length from generation to generation, the greatest source of knowledge and understanding is found in spiritual wisdom. The wisdom of the world is foolish (1 Corinthians 3:19), but the wisdom that comes from God is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, good fruit, impartial, and sincere (James 3:17). Our only reasonable response should be to run to the pages of the Bible every morning as if we are searching for hidden treasure. We must open our eyes to behold wondrous things from it and search for the riches to be found. It should lead us to speak it continually to one another as the ultimate help and hope. As Christians, we have access to uncover the treasure trove of knowledge and understanding found in Scripture. May we never back down from the pursuit and may God give us fervor and zeal all the way to glory. May we store up wisdom found in our hearts like the most treasured jewel and it may ultimately lead us to love, enjoy, and honor God in all that we do.
