Have you witnessed a fool reveal the sum of their understanding? Have you cheered as an exceptionally wise person met a foolish opponent with the wisdom of Solomon? Many today live out their limited-time-existence in the foolish restriction of their own reasoning. But a few wise individuals seek knowledge and grow in their understanding of “. . . a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles” (Proverbs 1:6, [NASB]).  

Part of growing in wisdom is discerning the sayings of understanding (Proverbs 1:2b).

Dan Phillips advises,

To understand God’s Word, we must analyze it, and penetrate to the meaning of the words. Because God wants us to utilize His Word as our means of understanding, our own private [insight, perception, discernment] is ruled out, because it is insufficient. As God tells us through Solomon in Proverbs 3:5, ‘Trust unto Yahweh with all your heart, And unto your own discernment do not lean’ (DJP). We are not to sort things out for ourselves without a thought to God’s revealed, inscripturated wisdom. We are to learn and absorb His wisdom and apply it in sorting out the details of our lives.

God’s Wisdom in Proverbs

“But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14).

Would you want to hire someone to do a job who doesn’t have the proper training for the quality work you want achieved? No matter if it’s the crown on your tooth or the grout in your tile, you want someone trained, to complete these tasks with excellence.

I really respect the training and practice that goes into making a superb tasting ice cream, not to mention more flavors than you could ever try in a summer. For me to waste calories and money on ice cream that doesn’t rank up there with Sunni Sky’s is a waste of my time. They have obviously taken extensive time, effort, and energy to create a product well worth the drive. I can never pick a favorite, but I try from taste testing to actual kiddie cups, to the two-scooper waffle cones. The oatmeal cookie is my grandson’s pick, but I like it too. My husband loves the heath toffee, but I like it too. There are coffee flavors that I love, and I love any of their flavors with chocolate and nuts. My last trip there was taste-testing Baby Ruth and then I somehow ended up with a kiddie cup filled with that caramelly, chocolate, nut yumminess! Oh, yes, where was I . . .

Similarly, absorbing God’s wisdom is like learning the fine skill of living life by understanding and applying the Bible to the specific and unique situations we encounter. Indeed, we need to be those “who because of practice have their senses trained.” To be wise is to be continually trained, as we learn to distinguish between good and evil.

 “My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice! Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right. Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord. You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed. My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course. Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons, for they are on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags. Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old. Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment. The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise. So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy. O my son, give me your heart. May your eyes take delight in following my ways.”   

Proverbs 23:15-26, NLT

What ice cream place brings you delight?