SAFEGUARD YOUR HEART"-Acquire Wisdom and Understanding

Remembering his father's loving advice Solomon relates:  "He would instruct me and say to me:  'May your heart keep fast hold of my words. Keep my commandments and continue living. Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding. Do not forget, and do not turn aside from the sayings of my mouth. Do not leave it [wisdom] , and it will keep you safe. Love it, and it will safeguard you. Wisdom is the prime thing. Acquire wisdom; and with all that you acquire,acquire understanding." -Proverbs 4:4-7. 

 Why is wisdom "the prime thing"? Wisdom means putting knowledge and understanding to work in a way that brings forth good results. Knowledge-acquaintance or familiarity with facts gained by observation and experience or by reading and study-is fundamental to wisdom. But if we do not have the ability to put it to good use, our knowledge would be of little value. We must not only regularly read the Bible and the Bible-based publications provided by "the faithful and discreet slave" but also endeavor or to apply what we learn from them. -Matthew 24:45. 

Acquiring understanding is also essential. Without it, could we really see how facts relate to one another and get the complete picture of a matter under consideration? If we lacked  understanding, how could we perceive the whys and wherefores of things and gain insight and discernment? Yes, to be able to put two and two together and come up with the right conclusion, we need understanding. -Daniel 9:22, 23. 

Solomon continues to relate his father's words, saying:  "Highly esteem it [wisdom], and it will exalt you. It will glorify  you because you embrace it. To your head it will give a wreath of charm; a crown of beauty it will bestow upon you." (Proverbs 4:8, 9) Godly wisdom protects the one who embraces it. Moreover, it brings him honor and beautifies him. By all means, then, let us acquire wisdom. 

Next time: "SAFEGUARD YOUR HEART" -"Take Hold on Discipline"

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000