Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever else you obtain, gain understanding. Proverbs 4:7
“Knowledge is not simply information but what one needs to live wisely. Such knowledge is gained dialectically through conversation with others by reproof. One must give up one’s preconceived ideas and undergo discipline in order to gain wisdom.”
Richard J. Clifford in Proverbs: A Commentary (Louisville: WJKP, 1999) 129.
While “gain” is commonly used as a noun, it also appears as a verb in many occurrences in Proverbs. In this instance we see the value of wisdom and applied knowledge, also known as understanding. It’s the possession to go after!
At Family Camp at Black Rock Retreat this week people said they appreciated our Bible teaching, but most of all, they were grateful that we also shared formational practices and application ideas for families.
How does this relate to generosity? Proverbs tells us that if we go after anything, aim at wisdom. The world says to gain it to “get ahead” of everyone else. The Word suggest we would do this not to get ahead but help the weak.
When we gain wisdom, it transforms us, but the key is to not let the transformation stop with us. Generosity is sharing the wisdom we gain with others so they too know how to live. What wisdom have you gained that you could share generously?