Proverbs commends the excellence of wisdom. This is no secret! But familiarity too often breeds neglect—if not contempt. It is helpful to stop for a moment to consider what the pursuit of wisdom looks like today. To set the stage, here are some basics about wisdom:
No one is born wise. Therefore, the first prerequisite for being wise is to come to a saving relationship with Christ.
If one is to be wise, it must come from a diligent and relentless pursuit of wisdom.
The pursuit of wisdom is not natural or easy.
Biblical wisdom is unlike anything that can be achieved by human effort.
Your children will be dominated by foolishness unless they desire and pursue wisdom above all else.
There are two places in the New Testament where wisdom is put forth in specific terms. The first is in the Beatitudes, and the second is the description of the fruit of the Spirit. When wisdom is pursued as if it were buried treasure, out of a passionate love for Christ, it begins to manifest itself in the traits listed in the Beatitudes and in the fruit of the Spirit.
You must lead your children in the practical, daily pursuit of wisdom. The qualities listed in of the Beatitudes cannot be mimicked. They are what they are. The fruit of the Spirit cannot be produced without the genuine work of the Spirit. This is how you arrive at godly character. There is no appropriate human activity that will not be enhanced and made more holy if wisdom is pursued—true wisdom that flows from the heart.
Please consider how much you are consumed by the pursuit of wisdom. Do you hunger and thirst for God’s wisdom? Do your friends, your spouse, your children see evidence of the eager pursuit of wisdom in your life? Proverbs says that nothing you desire can compare with wisdom. Is that true for me, for you? If you desire your children to be wise, this desire first must reside in your heart.