What a title! Those words actually come from the book of Proverbs, I keep finding some interesting statements in there (see my two earlier posts - Kindheartedness and Gold Ring + Pig’s Snout = Indiscretion).
The verse actually says:
“Widsom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (Prov 4:7).
The word supreme is something that usually brings the singing group or a pizza to mind!! What does it actually mean? According to dictionary.com it means:
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source
su·preme1 /səˈprim, sʊ-/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[suh-preem, soo-] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective
1. highest in rank or authority; paramount; sovereign; chief.
2. of the highest quality, degree, character, importance, etc.: supreme courage.
3. greatest, utmost, or extreme: supreme disgust.
4. last or final; ultimate.
So, when the proverb says that wisdom is supreme it means that having wisdom is the most important thing, the thing of highest importance above all else. The question that has to be asked next is ‘where do we get this wisdom from’?
Proverbs has a lot to say about Wisdom, there are whole chapters dedicated to it so ultimately I would start there. Whether you are a Christian or not you have to admit there’s some pretty sound advice in the book of Proverbs, lots and lots of wisdom.
God has put a high price on gaining understanding here - ‘all you have’. I’m sure most of us would be willing to argue with this high cost but in the end, I do believe that God would know best about this area of life. Afterall, he knows everything, he created everything and he understands everything.
One last note, I don’t actually think that knowledge and wisdom are the same thing. Knowlege is a tool to help us make wise decisions but there are plenty of knowledgeable people in this world who lack true wisdom and understanding. On the flip side, there are plenty of uneducated people who are full of wisdom.
Again, I’m not the ‘full bottle’ on wisdom so perhaps its something you could comment on and add your two cents worth to. Where have you found true wisdom in your life? Who has given you wise advice or direction? Feel free to add in the comments box below.
Stumble it!
