Day 9: Life Accumulated

Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. Prov. 9:9

The 9th chapter of Proverbs teaches that wisdom is an accumulated commodity; it grows with the life-lessons and application of our experiences. Wisdom builds a house upon a solid foundation (Prov. 9:1) and adds many years to life (Prov. 9:11).

The problem is that, while some people learn from their experiences, yet there are many others that seem to repeat their folly. They live without the direction and discernment that is promised to those who fear the Lord (Prov. 9:10). We are told that whoever corrects a mocker invites insults, and whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse (Prov. 9:7). What is the difference?

Wisdom is to be valued and sought after, as a treasure. It is like a well constructed house, built upon the foundation of the principles and guidelines of God’s Word. We are reminded that those who build upon this foundation will stand the tests and storms of time. Wisdom causes us to grow and affects many facets of our lives.

The fact that the wise and righteous maintain a teachable attitude reminds us that the wisdom of God knows no limits – there will always be areas in which we can grow and learn to apply this wisdom in our lives. The Bible calls this unfathomable riches and unsearchable judgements of God (Rom 11:33). In Christ are hidden the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3). Knowledge of our Creator is called wonderful and lofty, beyond what we can attain (Psm. 139:6).

The wise acknowledge their need for God’s direction and wisdom in life, knowing that in the end their pursuit of wisdom will reward them (Prov. 9:12).