This week we're going to be starting our study in Proverbs. Download the Weekly Guide for Spiritual Growth and then read the article below!

As I set out to gain more wisdom, I studied through Proverbs and was struck by the overwhelming thought, “I wish I would’ve known all of this yesterday!” I am sure we can all look back and say, “I wish I would’ve known - fill in the blank - so I could avoid, improve or enjoy moments of my day or season I just went through.” If we look retrospectively, it can cause us to think twice or second guess the season we are in or the one we are entering. We inherently have need for safety, reassurance, hope, encouragement, or healing and in Proverbs, Lady Wisdom tells us to “cry out” and see those aforementioned needs filled as a benefit of acquiring wisdom.

Wisdom in Hebrew is Khokhma. In Hebrew this means a skill or applied knowledge. Proverbs is a book of accumulated insight from the wisest man in the Bible about how to live in a way that honors God and others through wisdom.  At times, it feels like reading through a twitter feed of random insights as topics can bounce around sporadically. But, whether it’s a focus on protection, favor, identity or healing, Proverbs can be a guide on how to live well. This is just one book of the three wisdom literature books in the Bible (Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes).

Seasons come and seasons go. One thing is for certain, seasons are ever changing and for every season there is a need for wisdom. Lady Wisdom repeatedly tells us that it is the most precious thing to behold, and its benefits are greater than anything else in this world.

One of the things I love most about the Bible is that it is the living word of God – that you can read a verse today and, in a year, read the same one and get something completely different for whatever you are going through. As I read through Proverbs this time around, I got an even clearer understanding of five benefits of gaining wisdom:

1. Maturity and Identity

Wisdom matures our thinking and gives you knowledge and discernment into your identity and decisions that will keep you in line with the purpose God has for you.

That prudence (good judgment, astute common sense) may be given to the naive or inexperienced [who are easily misled], and knowledge and discretion (intelligent discernment) to the youth, - Proverbs 1:4 AMP

2. Peace and Confidence

Wisdom gives you peace, sleep, and an anxiety-free life. To dwell and gain wisdom in God’s presence and through His Word is the only way to be unafraid, at ease, and sheltered from disaster.

But whoever listens to me (Wisdom) will live securely and in confident trust and will be at ease, without fear or dread of evil. – Proverbs 1:33 AMP

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. – Proverbs 3:24 AMP

For the Lord will be your confidence, firm and strong, and will keep your foot from being caught [in a trap]. – Proverbs 3:26 AMP

3. Protection and Discernment

Wisdom keeps you from evil and evil people. It gives you discernment for every situation and decision you need to make.

To keep you from the way of evil and the evil man, From the man who speaks perverse things; - Proverbs 2:12 AMP

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way]. – Proverbs 3:5-6

Do not turn away from her (Wisdom) and she will guard and protect you; Love her, and she will watch over you. – Proverbs 4:6 AMP

4. Favor

Wisdom sets you up as a person of integrity which is how you find favor, success, promotion, wealth, and grace.

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. – Proverbs 3:3-4 ESV

 Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor. – Proverbs 3:16 AMP

 Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners, Yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance]. – Proverbs 3:34 AMP

5. Healing

Wisdom will strengthen you, inspire you, energize you, and refresh you.

And they will be life to your soul (your inner self) And a gracious adornment to your neck (your outer self). – Proverbs 3:22

I wish I would’ve known these benefits and treasured them in past seasons but, even still, I am thankful God’s grace covers and helps us grow and glean from our new understanding for the seasons to come. Keep digging into God’s wisdom with me by downloading our weekly guide.