Pursue Wisdom
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Importance
In the biblical context, wisdom is more than mere knowledge or intelligence; it is the application of divine truth to life. Pursuing wisdom is a central theme in Scripture, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's life with God's will and understanding. Wisdom is portrayed as a treasure to be sought after diligently, as it leads to a life of righteousness, peace, and fulfillment.

Biblical Foundation
The pursuit of wisdom is a recurring exhortation in the Bible, particularly in the wisdom literature. Proverbs 4:7 states, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." This verse underscores the preeminence of wisdom and the necessity of actively seeking it.

Characteristics of Wisdom
Biblical wisdom is characterized by a fear of the Lord, moral integrity, and practical living. Proverbs 9:10 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This fear is not terror but a reverent awe and respect for God's majesty and authority.

The Role of Wisdom in Life
Wisdom guides individuals in making decisions that honor God and benefit others. James 3:17 describes the nature of godly wisdom: "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere." This wisdom contrasts with earthly wisdom, which is often self-centered and divisive.

The Pursuit of Wisdom in Practice
The pursuit of wisdom involves a commitment to studying God's Word, prayer, and seeking counsel from mature believers. Proverbs 2:1-6 encourages this pursuit: "My son, if you accept my words and hide my commandments within you, if you incline your ear to wisdom and direct your heart to understanding, if you truly call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search it out like hidden treasure, then you will discern the fear of the LORD and discover the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."

Wisdom Personified
In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is personified as a woman calling out to those who lack understanding. Proverbs 8:1-4 illustrates this: "Does not wisdom call out, and understanding raise her voice? On the heights overlooking the road, at the crossroads she takes her stand. Beside the gates to the city, at the entrances she cries out: 'To you, O men, I call out, and my cry is to the sons of men.'"

Christ as the Embodiment of Wisdom
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is identified as the ultimate embodiment of wisdom. Colossians 2:3 affirms, "In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Believers are encouraged to look to Christ as the source of true wisdom and to model their lives after His teachings and example.

The Reward of Pursuing Wisdom
The pursuit of wisdom yields numerous benefits, including protection, honor, and life. Proverbs 3:13-18 extols the blessings of wisdom: "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire compares with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. All her ways are pleasant, and all her paths are peaceful. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her, and those who lay hold of her are blessed."

Conclusion
The biblical call to pursue wisdom is a call to seek a life that reflects God's character and purposes. Through the diligent pursuit of wisdom, believers are equipped to navigate the complexities of life with discernment and grace, ultimately bringing glory to God.
Subtopics

Pursue

Related Terms

Pursuit (35 Occurrences)

Overtook (35 Occurrences)

Pursuing (50 Occurrences)

Chariots (118 Occurrences)

Bethcar (1 Occurrence)

Beth-car (1 Occurrence)

Chased (21 Occurrences)

Asahel (17 Occurrences)

Barak (14 Occurrences)

Pursue (104 Occurrences)

Hobah (1 Occurrence)

Plains (31 Occurrences)

Mid'ian (47 Occurrences)

Ai (32 Occurrences)

Horsemen (63 Occurrences)

Giah (1 Occurrence)

Fords (9 Occurrences)

Troops (92 Occurrences)

Routed (25 Occurrences)

Ravine (26 Occurrences)

Besor (3 Occurrences)

Amraphel (2 Occurrences)

Abraham (2539 Occurrences)

Closed (47 Occurrences)

Sis'era (19 Occurrences)

Slaughtering (14 Occurrences)

Abner (54 Occurrences)

Abi'shai (25 Occurrences)

Gerar (10 Occurrences)

Spies (22 Occurrences)

Overtaken (36 Occurrences)

Chariot (102 Occurrences)

Ekron (20 Occurrences)

Ephron (13 Occurrences)

Horses (138 Occurrences)

Scribes (85 Occurrences)

Gezer (14 Occurrences)

Leads (64 Occurrences)

Sisera (18 Occurrences)

Jo'ab (120 Occurrences)

Journey (214 Occurrences)

Abishai (25 Occurrences)

Midian (60 Occurrences)

Fallen (233 Occurrences)

Caught (110 Occurrences)

Struck (373 Occurrences)

Dan (71 Occurrences)

Midianites (30 Occurrences)

Egyptians (108 Occurrences)

Slain (235 Occurrences)

Israelites (468 Occurrences)

Sentence (53 Occurrences)

Consumed (213 Occurrences)

Hotly (6 Occurrences)

Beth-el (65 Occurrences)

Pharaoh's (72 Occurrences)

Fled (181 Occurrences)

Slew (206 Occurrences)

Gibeon (39 Occurrences)

Beth (115 Occurrences)

Jericho (59 Occurrences)

David (1052 Occurrences)

Soldiers (83 Occurrences)

Crushed (199 Occurrences)

Opposite (137 Occurrences)

Chaldeans (82 Occurrences)

Hittites (39 Occurrences)

Joab (128 Occurrences)

318 (1 Occurrence)

View (86 Occurrences)

Zalmun'na (8 Occurrences)

Zeeb (3 Occurrences)

Ziklag (13 Occurrences)

Zephon (5 Occurrences)

Zarethan (4 Occurrences)

Kinsman (29 Occurrences)

Kar (1 Occurrence)

Kidron (11 Occurrences)

Unchecked (1 Occurrence)

Pursue Virtues
Top of Page
Top of Page