The Cost of Wisdom

Proverbs 23:23 (NKJV) ... “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.”

I once heard a sermon by Pastor David Wilkerson (one of my favourite pastors) entitled; The Cost of Anointing. His words resonated deeply within my heart, and as I reflect on Proverbs 23:23, I am reminded that wisdom also has a cost.

Not a cost that can be measured in money, but a cost of commitment, obedience, surrender and devotion. God freely gives wisdom to those who seek Him, but we must be willing to pursue it. We must value it enough to seek it, treasure it, and allow it to change us.

So, what does it mean to “buy” wisdom?

To me, it means being willing to diligently spend time reading and studying the Word of God, allowing His truth to penetrate our hearts, and then putting that truth into practice through obedience.

It is not enough simply to know what God's Word says. We are called to live it.

At a ladies’ breakfast I recently attended, one of the speakers expressed this beautifully: “Saturate yourself in God’s Word.”

That phrase has stayed with me. What a beautiful picture—to saturate ourselves in God's Word until His truth becomes deeply rooted within us; until it influences the way we think, the way we speak, the way we respond, and ultimately the way we live.

Listen to how Proverbs 2:1–9 (NKJV) describes the pursuit of wisdom:

“My son, if you receive my words,

And treasure my commands within you,

So that you incline your ear to wisdom,

And apply your heart to understanding;

Yes, if you cry out for discernment,

And lift up your voice for understanding,

If you seek her as silver,

And search for her as for hidden treasures;

Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,

And find the knowledge of God.

For the Lord gives wisdom;

From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;

He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;

He guards the paths of justice,

And preserves the way of His saints.

Then you will understand righteousness and justice,

Equity and every good path.”

What a powerful picture of the pursuit of wisdom! Look at the words used in this passage: “receive, treasure, incline, apply, cry out, seek and search.” There is a deliberate purpose in all of them.

Wisdom is not something we casually stumble upon.

• We pursue it.

• We seek it.

• We treasure it.

• We cry out to God for it.

And for me ultimately—I discovered that the fear of our Lord Himself, is the starting point, the ultimate source of wisdom. That resonate in me a deep respect, awe, and reverence for His greatness, righteousness and holiness.

Knowing About God Versus Knowing God

I love visiting Koorong, and I especially love buying books. I have many study Bibles, commentaries and Christian books. These resources can be incredibly helpful, and I am grateful for the wisdom and knowledge that can be gained through them.

But simply buying books—and even reading them—is not enough. We can have shelves filled with books, and still lack wisdom. We can know Scripture intellectually, and still lack wisdom if that scripture does not transform our hearts. Other peoples wisdom (we find in books), means nothing! We can know many things about God without truly knowing God!

If God's wisdom does not become rooted and grounded within our hearts, minds and souls (become a revelation to us), what is ultimately the worth of all those books? I can tell you—NOTHING!

Knowing about the Bible is important, but intimately knowing the God of the Bible, is infinitely more important. Wisdom comes as we develop a genuine relationship with God, listen to His voice through His Word, and then most IMPORTANTLY—allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us God’s ways, and then surrender ourselves to the truth He reveals.

It is not simply about gaining more knowledge. It is about allowing what we know to transform who we are. That is the cost, spending time with God and not with this world and all its luring gadgets and devices.

Paul rightfully tells us in Romans 12:1–2 (NKJV):

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, Your Word says that if any of us lacks wisdom, let us ask of God in faith, and He will give liberally and without reproach. You are our awesome God and I love You with all of my being. Nobody builds a house unless they count the cost first, and the cost of moving in Your anointing and Your wisdom is such a beautiful price to pay. Bless all who choose this way. In the powerful Name of Jesus I pray, Amen!