I’m struck this morning by a passion. And this passion appears to be in contrast to how many of us in God’s household seem to approach spiritual understanding and the search for the knowledge of the things of God. For many of us, I fear, it’s relegated to Sunday morning’s when we gather together to “hear the word.” Perhaps it’s a “spiritual discipline” where we faithfully do our “morning devo’s”. Or, for some, I wonder if we don’t think it’ll just happen by default now that we’re saved and the Spirit of wisdom and truth resides in us.

Now, all of these are important . . . certainly understanding the things of God won’t happen apart from any of these. But as I read Proverbs 2 this morning I’m struck by what seems to be an “x factor” when it comes to understanding the fear of the LORD, and finding the knowledge of God. This “x factor” seems to be found within a passionate pursuit. Not necessarily in more effort, but in greater desire.

“My son, if you receive my words . . . treasure my commands . . . incline your ear to wisdom . . . apply your heart to understanding . . . cry out for discernment . . . lift up your voice for understanding . . . seek her as sliver . . . search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:1-5)

I guess we pursue that which we prize . . . we go after that which we find of worth . . . we seek that which we believe we can attain and value having. Solomon says that wisdom and understanding the mind of God are as valuable as silver and the return on their pursuit is like finding hidden treasures. Who wouldn’t put forward some effort for a return like that . . . only those who don’t believe that there is a return . . . or whose heart are really set on another set of “investments.”

But I’m told this morning to take captive words of heavenly instruction . . . to store up within me the instruction from God’s word. I’m to give attention to godly wisdom and to spread out my heart toward taking it in and discerning it’s application. And far from being some passive exercise, the pursuit of wisdom should be on my prayer list . . . underlined with exclamation marks in my prayer journal . . . as I cry out for discernment and lift up my voice pleading for Spirit enabled understanding.

Oh, the premium I should put on comprehending and applying the counsel of God . . . the desire I should have to be shaped by wisdom from above.

And the LORD is ready to reward the pursuit. He gives wisdom . . . from His mouth come knowledge and understanding . . . He dispenses “out of this world” insight from His storehouse of omniscience. And this isn’t some high-minded, pie in the sky, of no practical value type of knowledge. Uh, huh! “When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you.” (2:10-11)

Wisdom is to be valued because it is the means by which God’s people navigate this world in a godly manner. It is provides the internal GPS which leads in ways of righteousness and warns of paths of destruction. It reveals the mind of God showing us that manner of life which brings him pleasure and that manner which grieves Him.

“Skillful living” . . . that’s a definition for wisdom I heard years ago . . . and it sticks with me. Oh that I would value, treasure, and pursue skillful living . . . that my soul would thirst for it . . . driving me to God’s word in pursuit of it. Certainly for my protection . . . and also that I might enter into the things of the mind of God . . . but more so, that through my passion for skillful living, He might be brought a measure of glory through this redeemed child of God.

Worth pursuing? I think so . . .