Benefits Of Diligently Seeking Wisdom

The second Chapter of Proverbs describes the benefits of seeking after wisdom with an admonition to search for wisdom with diligence, listing the benefits that will come from such a search Proverbs 2:1-22 However, the benefits of seeking after wisdom are found only if we seek with the proper disposition.

The Qualities of a diligent search for wisdom as explained by Solomon.

1-It requires a willingness to be receptive to the words of others thereby treasuring the commands of wisdom
We need to give a high value to the words of wisdom we hear and remember them. Proverbs 2:1

2-It requires an engagement of the ear, that is, we must be willing to hear wisdom. It requires the engagement of the heart,
We must be willing to understand the words of wisdom that we hear. It also requires the engagement of the mouth. In other words, we must be willing to cry out for discernment and understanding. Proverbs 2:2-3

3-It requires a high estimation of seeking and searching with the same fervor as seeking for money and other hidden treasures.
Thus a diligent search for wisdom requires an all out effort on our part. Proverbs 2:4

The Qualities of a diligent search for wisdom as experienced by Christians today.

1-It requires hearing the Word of God. "incline your ear to wisdom" Proverbs 2:2 We must listen to preachers and teachers carefully with all readiness. We need to study the Bible on our own searching the Scriptures daily. It requires meditating upon the Word of God Acts 17:11 The Bible enjoin us to apply our heart to understanding Proverbs 2:2

We need to take time to reflect and ponder on the Word of God we have heard and studied like the Psalmist sung of his meditations Psalm 119:97-100; Philippians 4:8

2-It requires diligent prayer for wisdom. "cry out for discernment...lift up your voice for understanding" Proverbs 2:3
We must ask in prayer with faith James 1:5 We must persist in our asking Matthew 7:7-11 It requires the same effort others expend seeking for material wealth. "seek her as silver...as for hidden treasures" Proverbs 2:4 In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge Colossians 2:3

Here's a simple test to see if we are expending the proper effort to seek wisdom: If you worked as hard for your employer as you do seeking for God's wisdom, would you have your job very long?

Finding God's wisdom today requires the same diligence it did in Solomon's day.

Is the effort worth it? Let's go now to Proverbs 2:5-22 and find out what are the Benefits of a diligent search for wisdom.

1-Knowledge of God and his protection. We will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. We will understand that fear of the Lord which is the beginning of knowledge Proverbs 2:5a; Proverbs 1:7 We are talking of that knowledge of God, whose storehouse of wisdom and understanding He gives to the upright Proverbs 2:5b-7a

We will have God's providential protection guiding our lives. He is a shield to those who walk uprightly Proverbs 2:7b;Proverbs 30:5 He guards the paths of justice which the righteous take Proverbs 2:8a;Psalm 23:3 He preserves the way of His saints Proverbs 2:8b; Psalm 121:5-8 It is a blessing to go through life with God at our side.

2-Moral discernment for living. We will have great understanding of righteousness and justice Proverbs 2:9a We will also have great understanding of equity i.e fairness and every good path Proverbs 2:9b; David's prayer, Psalm 143:8-10

We will have great discretion once wisdom enters our hearts and knowledge is pleasant to you Proverbs 2:10 They will preserve and keep you Proverbs 2:11;Proverbs 6:22-23 It is a blessing to go through life with God's wisdom at our disposal.

3-Deliverance from evil men who speak perverse things Proverbs 2:12;Acts 20:30 Who leave upright paths and walk in the ways of darkness Proverbs 2:13; 2Peter 2:20-22 Who rejoice in doing evil and delight in the perversity of the wicked Proverbs 2:14; Proverbs 10:23Whose ways are crooked, and devious in their paths Proverbs 2:15; Proverbs 1:10-19

Wisdom can deliver us from evil men and their evil ways.

4-Deliverance from immorality.The seducers flatters with their words Proverbs 2:16;Proverbs 7:5-21The adulterers who forsakes their covenant with God Proverbs 2:17;Malachi 2:14 Their house and paths lead to death, and the place of no return Proverbs 2:18-19;Pr 9:13-18 Wisdom can deliver us from immorality and its destructive ways.

5-Enablement for righteous living. It will help us walk in the way of goodness and keep to the righteous paths Proverbs 2:20;Psalm 23:3,6 It will help us to be upright and blameless, to dwell and remain in the house of God unlike the wicked and unfaithful that will be cut off and uprooted from the earth Proverbs 2:21-22;Psalm 37:3 Wisdom can empower us to live more blessed, if not longer lives on this earth.

CONCLUSION: The benefits of wisdom is worth the effort necessary to obtain it.