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I love what the Bible has to say about wisdom and seeking wisdom. As a younger man, I was captivated by the idea of wisdom, and what the Bible and many other writings had to say about it. First off, wisdom is the only virtue that the Bible claims you can get just by asking for it. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.“ Not only that but the Bible says that wisdom is the one virtue that’s more precious than anything else. Seeking wisdom, really is seeking God. Proverbs 8:11 says, “For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
Earlier in my life, I arrived at a place in life where I felt like a fool. I had read much of this thing called wisdom, but I knew that I didn’t have it and it felt like something far off. But then I read a verse in the Proverbs that permanently changed my thinking and set my feet upon a different path.
“If you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding
and 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 knowledge of God.”
It was this verse that first made me start thinking about the benefits of solitude. Beforehand, I had never spent an extended time alone with myself, pondering life and the kind of man I was becoming. But once I read this verse I knew that I had to do something drastic in my life, or I would always be trapped in mediocrity and petty pleasures. And so I left. I went first to southeast Asia, in Cambodia, and then to the northwoods of Minnesota. I wanted to seek wisdom as though for silver, and hidden treasure, roaming the paths of the world and the inner spheres of thought to find what I was after. And I can now say with confidence, nothing is more exhilarating than pouring oneself into the finding of wisdom and seeking God and real life through it. I’ll leave you with a quote by Walt Whitman:
“Long have you timidly waded, holding a plank by the shore,
Now I will you to be a bold swimmer,
To jump off in the midst of the sea, and rise again and nod to me and shout,
and laughingly dash with your hair.“
12 Comments
great whitman quote that sums up this post well.
Gracias!
Good for you, that you found the right vehicle for which you could arrive at this. And good for us who are privelaged to share in your joy. I hope you discover many more treasures, Ben! You are a wonderfully reflectful being.
I am so glad you are back! This is a great post on wisdom. I love the idea that we must search for it like silver, our whole life is a treasure hunt, really. This is great! Thank you!
Right on, thanks guys! I totally agree, Jodi, our lives are like treasure hunts. It’s a really cool idea. Thanks very much for your encouragement!
what a thought provoking article. You know I have heard both of those verses so many times and even memorized but had not put them into thought the way you explained them in this. wow! talk about eye-opening.
totally awesome!
thanks for sharing this.
Thanks Amanda
That’s very kind of you to say.
First off, thanks for stopping by my blog. I LOVE to have new visitors!
Secondly, I’m liking your blog. It gets me thinking. I wish I had wisdom. Sadly, I didn’t even know what it says in James about wisdom. Maybe that’s where most of my problems stem from, not opening the bible like I should.
You have encouraged me today. Thank you.
Thanks Tiffiny
And you are quite welcome. I enjoyed your blog as well. Getting new visitors is quite excellent.
G
OOPS FIRST POST anyway I was about to say God has truly invited to began reading proverbs during a fast. I could never understand how he told me to begin there. He put it in my heart because I do remember praying that I want to be obedient to his work. Praise God for all that he has been doing in the past days. I have decided I will continue to search. I do not have the time and money to travel like you which is cool. I know God is working with me differently I am so grateful. Kewl I am happy to see what God has helped you with.
Thanks Corety, for your comments. Proverbs is a really amazing book. I’m so glad you’re diving into it. It sounds like you are seeking God with an open heart, not closing down any possibilities of how He might work. That’s really refreshing to hear. So many people go the opposite route, letting society and other pressures dictate how they should live their lives. It’s nice to find another who’s willing to do and go wherever God leads. Very good to meet you.