Words Of Wisdom: Tune Your Ear To Wisdom

Learn how to use ancient Biblical words of wisdom and gain valuable insights into the most important questions that you're facing today.

We live, in fact, in a world starved for solitude, silence, and privacy: and therefore starved for meditation and true friendship. C.S. Lewis

Proverbs forms a part of the Bible known as ‘Wisdom Literature’. Although this ancient book of wise sayings was compiled around 931 BC, there is much profound wisdom to be gleaned for our contemporary lives. Proverbs, like Psalms, names multiple individuals as the authors of its various sections but Solomon likely served as its principal author.

Words of wisdom for a modern world

With earthy wisdom about friendship, money management, discipline, and inner well-being, Proverbs offers short, punchy instructions for living a flourishing lifestyle. We will be reviewing the source of Wisdom and how we can grow in wisdom to help us live a more God-centered life.

Wisdom from Proverbs

Today’s verse is Proverbs chapter 2, verse 1 through 11: My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, ...if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless. for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. Proverbs 2.1-11

We need wisdom now more than ever

Following Jesus in today’s world is not always easy. It is also not always straightforward! We need wisdom now more than ever. We exist in a world which is incredibly fast-paced, noisy, and full of distractions. Contemporary society has seen an enormous increase in technology but a decrease in attention spans, making it harder than ever to ‘let the wise listen and add to their learning.’ Professor Gloria Mark, a psychologist at the University of California, Irvine, has been researching the human attention span for a number of decades. In 2004, Mark found that the average attention span of her participants was around two-and-half minutes. By 2012, this had dropped to just 75 seconds. More recent results indicate even further decreases. As our brain chemistry alters with the fast-paced world around us, what impact does this have on our capacity to ‘listen’ or ‘add to our learning’? Our ability to think deeply; to grow, not just in knowledge but in wisdom?

How can we become wise?

We live at a time when information is more widely available than ever before in history; yet we are less sure than ever what sources are reliable, trustworthy or true. In this complicated age, where can we turn to for true wisdom and insight? How can we become people who are wise? The truth lies in the presence of God and in His Word. As followers of Jesus, seeking to become more like Him, we must allow the Bible to become the plumbline of truth that anchors our minds, secures our souls, and steers our feet. The Bible is our pathway into wisdom.

Today’s passage invites you to ‘turn your ear to wisdom’ and ‘apply your heart to understanding.’ Wisdom, according to Scripture, is readily available for those who will seek it. The book of Proverbs actually paints a picture of wisdom as a person, and she is roaming the streets, looking for those who are looking for her. When we look for wisdom, it is easily found. But there is a strong intentionality to the words of this passage. We should “call out for insight”, and “cry aloud for understanding” (verse 3). Growing in wisdom is not a passive process. Wisdom is not something that we wander into by accident.

Words of wisdom: the daily practice

Pastor DA Carson said: “People do not drift toward holiness.” The same principle is true when it comes to wisdom. We cannot expect to become wise without pursuing wisdom with the intentionality that Proverbs describes. And we should go out of our way to look for wisdom, to seek out discernment and insight. In fact, we should turn our ears to wisdom and apply our hearts to becoming people of understanding. A daily practice of reading the Bible is a powerful habit which will lead to the transformation of our minds. As we soak in the words of Scripture, we begin to see the world through the eyes of our creator. We begin to understand Kingdom realities, which in turn helps illuminate the world around us. Gradually, we find ourselves growing in wisdom.

Let's pray

Jesus, as I walk in your footsteps, I long to become more like you. In this fast-paced world with a diminishing attention span, please help me today to embrace a slower pace. To make room for wisdom. To tune my ear to the realities of your kingdom that I might grow in understanding. Thank you for being with us today. Tomorrow, we will reflect on the source of wisdom and how we can ensure our lives are built around God. We hope to see you then. Do you have a regular practice of Bible reading? Do you find this easy or challenging? Photos by eberhard grossgasteiger