TODAY IN THE WORD
There’s a trend among couples planning a wedding to seek business sponsors willing to provide them with a cake, flowers, a wedding dress and tuxedo, and even wed-ding rings, for free. In exchange, these companies display a small plaque at the reception or are listed in the program. Why would any company willingly give away its products? Quite simply, because many businesses recognize that a good testimonial is very effective and often less expensive than many other types of advertising.

Today’s passage provides a powerful testimonial for acquiring wisdom. Even previous generations chime in. The father recalls receiving his own father’s counsel when he was young (vv. 3-4). Since both the father’s and the grandfather’s words are grounded in the Lord’s commands, the cry here is really to seek the Lord and His ways fully.

It’s hard to miss the main point of this passage–get wisdom! We could also translate this as “buy” or “acquire” wisdom. It’s not as if wisdom were for sale, but this command stresses the importance of actively seeking wisdom. Wisdom isn’t something to be pursued when there’s nothing better to do! Wisdom is like the pearl of great price that is to be obtained regardless of its cost (Matt. 13:45-46). The repetition in verses 5 and 7 shows us that wisdom isn’t about how smart someone is, but rather about the decision to seek the Lord and make Him one’s first priority.

Those who seek Wisdom are promised her protection and care. We first saw this idea in Proverbs 2:11-12 (see Feb. 4). This is another way of saying that wisdom prevents us from missteps and decisions that lead to destruction.

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today’s passage echoes Deutero-nomy 6:1–2, which also links loving God and keeping His commands with finding life. What greater benefit could there be for seeking wisdom?

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