As I open the book of Proverbs, it’s like an old friend. Through the years, with its convenient 31 chapters, I have read it many times, a chapter a day. Within the first few chapters, we find the theme of wisdom and understanding throughout the verses. As I read the familiar passages, something new stands out.

Wisdom is readily available.

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I don’t know about you, but I often pray and ask the Lord to give me wisdom. I also question and overthink many things because I want to make sure I am being wise. And, if I’m honest, I am also afraid of getting it wrong or missing something.

While those are good reasons for seeking wisdom, I admit that my uncertainty often feels like wisdom is elusive, a chasing of the wind. Like – am I really getting this right? But God’s Word says wisdom is shouting at us and crying out above the commotion of life and our hearts. It isn’t hiding like a lost toy in the back of a closet that we can never find.

According to Proverbs, wisdom:

• “Calls out in the street” (1:20)

• “Makes her voice heard in the public squares” (1:20)

• “She cries out above the commotion; she speaks at the entrance of the city gates” (1:21)

• “Doesn’t wisdom call out? Doesn’t understanding make her voice heard?” (8:1)

• “…She [wisdom] takes her stand” (8:2)

Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs specifically for “learning wisdom and discipline, to receive prudent instruction in righteousness, justice, and integrity, teaching the inexperienced…” and the list goes on. (Proverbs 1:1-7)

So why do we seek wisdom from the things of this world instead of turning to God and his Word? James is very clear that if any of us lack wisdom, we should ask God “who gives [wisdom] to all generously and ungrudgingly” (1:5). There are so many benefits to being wise. It is “better than jewels and nothing desirable can equal it” (Proverbs 8:11).

Are we seeking wisdom? Asking and praying for more of it? If so, then we must also be in the Word. God wants his best for us, which means we need to listen and respond to the wisdom that he provides, not the wisdom of the world that often distracts us from his purposes.

Lord, we want your ways above our ways. We want to live securely in your promises. You are the one who gives wisdom; from your mouth comes knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6). Give us wisdom for our daily lives.

If you haven’t read Proverbs in a while, I encourage you to open it up and read a chapter today. Wisdom is readily available to all who ask for it.