The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way, before his works of old. I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.
When there were no depths, I was brought forth; when there were no fountains abounding with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills was I brought forth: While as yet he had not made the earth, nor the fields,
nor the highest part of the dust of the world. When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree,
that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him; Rejoicing in the habitable part of his earth; and my delights were with the sons of men. Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoso findeth me findeth life,
and shall obtain favour of the Lord. But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above..." (James 1:16)
Wisdom's legacy originates from before the beginning. For with God there is wisdom, and God is forever. It's is only after displaying its impressive credentials, presenting it's resume, that wisdom makes a promise that cannot be ignored. "Whoever findeth me [wisdom], findeth life."
Who isn't searching for an abundant life? That's not even a good question! Everyone wants a long and happy life. But how? How do I seek after wisdom? Wisdom is just something that comes from years of knowledge and experience applied, right? Yes and know. That is one kind of wisdom, but true, heavenly, pure wisdom is from God and is available to everyone, old or young.
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom..." (Proverbs 9:10) The only way to cultivate the seed of true wisdom is to "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart..." (Proverbs 3:5) Only when we are trusting in the Lord and striving to obey Him can we make full use of knowledge and experience. It is said that "God gives opportunities: success depends on the use made of them." (P&P223) When God sends these opportunities for growth and success, the seed of true wisdom helps us make good use of them, and thus wisdom grows and is strengthened.
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