Pursue wisdom at any cost ∙∙

Pursue wisdom at any cost ∙∙

[Wisdom] is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. – Proverbs 3:14

Proverbs 4:5-9

5 Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is: acquire wisdom; and with all your acquiring, get understanding.

8 Prize her and she will exalt you; She will honor you if you embrace her.
9 She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty.

In the 1980 hit film, “The Blues Brothers,” Aretha Franklin delivers a powerful, unforgettable performance of “Think,” a song that rings with urgency and wisdom. The scene is set when the Blues Brothers arrive with “a mission from God” to reunite their band. They ask Matt “Guitar” Murphy to join them, but his wife, played by Franklin, is not having it. When Murphy insists on going, she snaps with a forceful warning, “You better think about what you’re saying. You better think about the consequences of your actions.” It’s a moment that underscores universal advice echoed throughout history—pause and reflect before making big decisions.

Murphy, of course, smiles and brushes her off. Murphy simply replies with a smile, “Shut up, woman.”

But her warning holds profound truth. Thinking critically about our choices and their consequences can save us from countless missteps, heartbreaks, and, perhaps, full-scale catastrophes. Life presents us with crossroads where the direction we choose determines whether we walk toward wisdom and fulfillment or stumble into trouble and ruin. The deciding factor? Reflection. Discernment. And above all, the pursuit of wisdom.

Thousands of years before Franklin soulfully uttered these words, Solomon, the wisest king of Israel, shared an even more enduring message. He posed a profound question that has remained relevant across generations: Is there anything in life worth pursuing, no matter the cost? Solomon answers with a resounding yes.

Wisdom, he declares, is worth sacrificing everything to obtain.

Through his timeless and stirring writings in Proverbs, Solomon describes wisdom as a treasure beyond measure. “Get wisdom, get understanding,” he urges, for wisdom is life’s most valuable pursuit. With wisdom, he explains, you gain guidance that steers you away from pitfalls, lifts you in times of struggle, and ultimately bestows honor and security (Proverbs 4:8-12). Wisdom doesn’t merely provide answers; it transforms the person who seeks it, creating a life imbued with grace, honor, and purpose.

This divine wisdom Solomon speaks of is not a passive gift; it must be actively pursued, sought after as though it were the most precious gem. He personifies wisdom as a radiant and virtuous woman, a beloved companion worthy of unrelenting devotion. To seek her is not just worthwhile; it is life-changing. “Prize her,” Solomon urges, “and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her” (Proverbs 4:8). This imagery is evocative, suggesting that an intimate relationship with wisdom shapes us into something tender, gracious, and even beautiful.

Unlike the rigid rules of the Ten Commandments, Solomon’s counsel invites us to pursue wisdom for its inherent value, not merely out of obligation. It’s not about simply avoiding wrong but passionately striving toward what is good and true. His advice resonates today, just as it did millennia ago. Wisdom is not just an intellectual exercise but a practical necessity, leading us to decisions rooted in integrity and grace. Wisdom is the key to a life of balance, peace, and purpose.

The urgency of wisdom’s call echoes throughout Scripture. James 3:17 underscores the character of heavenly wisdom, highlighting its purity, peacefulness, gentleness, and unwavering sincerity. Unlike the fleeting charm of ambition or the hollow allure of deceit, true wisdom derives from the Father and is full of mercy and good fruits. It shows no favoritism and remains steadfast in its purpose. Wisdom not only keeps us from stumbling but also lifts us to a path of lasting joy and honor.

The Blues Brothers’ mission from God may have been on the comedic side, but their story mirrors a more profound truth. Life often calls us to make missions of our own, urging us to make choices that show not only courage but also reflection and discernment. Aretha’s piercing warning reminds us to think and weigh the outcomes of every path. Solomon’s timeless guidance provides us with the framework to do just that. Wisdom isn’t simply a tool for decision-making; it’s a lifelong companion, protecting and elevating those who pursue it with sincerity and devotion.

REFLECT & PRAY

If we neglect the pursuit of wisdom, we only inflict harm upon ourselves and the ones we hold dear.

Father, encourage my heart to desire and pursue wisdom and train my feet to walk in it.

INSIGHT

Solomon’s words paint an enchanting picture of wisdom as if she were a living being. He speaks of her with admiration, portraying her as his cherished companion, his confidante, and his source of support. He enjoys her presence, treasures their intimacy, and values her guidance through life’s challenges as she wraps him in her embrace in all his ventures. Solomon urges us to fall deeply in love with wisdom, to invest time in knowing her, and to make her an inseparable part of our lives.

At the heart of his teachings rests a profound truth. Solomon presents life as a choice between two paths: the path of the righteous and the path of the wicked. These two contrasting ways of life are beautifully captured in his poetry.

He writes in Proverbs 4:18-19: “18 The way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever brighter until the full light of day. 19 But the way of the wicked is like total darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over.”

Solomon draws a vivid comparison. The righteous walk in light, their path illuminated, growing brighter with every step. This metaphor represents a life guided by wisdom and obedience to God, gaining clarity and purpose over time. On the other hand, the path of the wicked is shrouded in darkness. It’s a life of confusion and ignorance, with no awareness of the obstacles that lead to their downfall. Walking in darkness may seem easy, but it’s deceptive, leading to ruin.

It echoes the human tendency to gravitate toward darkness rather than light, as John writes in John 3:19-21:

“19 People loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.
20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed.
21 But those who do what is right come to the light.”

This highlights the struggle between humanity’s sinful desires and the purifying light of God. Yet, as children of the King, we have a choice. Solomon doesn’t merely suggest; he insists that the Father’s way is the best. “It offers the fewest potholes, detours, and dangers. God’s commands are similar to the lines on modern highways. They help travelers stay on the proper part of the road so they do not have accidents and hurt themselves and other people” (Constable). It steers us toward a life of peace, purpose, and joy.

James further expands on this contrast, offering a reflection on the type of wisdom we choose to follow:

James 3:13-17 calls us to self-examination,

“13 If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.
14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying.
15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.
17 But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”

James challenges the children of the King to discern what type of wisdom governs our lives. Is it wisdom from above, rooted in God, or worldly wisdom driven by selfish ambition and jealousy? The latter, James warns, is not only unspiritual but ultimately influenced by dark forces, leading to discord and arrogance. The wisdom that does not come down from above “is ultimately earthbound, absolutely sensual as opposed to spiritual, and its origin is in the cosmic powers of darkness” (ESV). By contrast, the wisdom from heaven is pure, peaceable, and infused with mercy and sincerity. It fosters harmony and goodness, steering us toward a life that reflects God’s character.

Charles Stanley once posed a thought-provoking question, “What kind of wisdom do you tend to rely on?” Stanley continued, “God’s wisdom leads to harmony and peace, while human wisdom leads to arrogance and dissension.” This question invites every child of the King to pause and reflect. The wisdom of the world may seem appealing, but only the wisdom from above can guide us toward true fulfillment and eternal peace.

The choice between paths is intended to be both a lifelong decision and one that is continually renewed every day. Will we walk in the light, pursuing wisdom that transforms, uplifts, and honors the Lord? Or will we wander in the darkness, choosing fleeting pleasures that lead to destruction?

Solomon and James both urge us to seek wisdom at all costs, for she is a treasure beyond compare. Wisdom shapes who we are, protects us from stumbling and leads us closer to the heart of God.

¯_(ツ)_/¯11-27-3

© Dr. H 2025