“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
— Proverbs 4:7 (KJV)
Wisdom is more than intelligence or knowledge. It is the skill of living rightly before God, of walking through life with discernment and grace. In Proverbs 4:7, Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, speaks to his son about what matters most. Above success, riches, or reputation, he names wisdom as “the principal thing.” That means it stands first in rank and importance.
What It Means to “Get Wisdom”
The word “get” here carries the sense of acquiring, pursuing, or even purchasing something of great value. It implies effort, intention, and a deep desire to possess what cannot be gained by accident. Wisdom does not come by simply growing older or reading more books. It comes by seeking God, learning from His Word, and allowing His Spirit to guide the heart.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” True wisdom is a gift from God. It cannot be bought with money, but it costs everything in the sense that it requires humility, obedience, and a willingness to be taught.
Why Understanding Is Added
Solomon adds, “and with all thy getting get understanding.” This teaches that wisdom is not complete without understanding. Wisdom helps us choose rightly, but understanding helps us know why something is right. It is the deeper insight that gives strength to our convictions.
Many can repeat Scripture or know what the Bible says, yet without understanding, truth may stay on the surface. When understanding enters, God’s Word takes root in the heart and begins to transform how we think, speak, and act.
Wisdom in Everyday Life
Wisdom is not found only in great decisions. It appears in how we treat others, how we handle conflict, how we speak when angered, and how we use our time. A wise person does not seek to win arguments but to build peace. They listen before they speak. They recognize that every word and every moment carries weight before God.
Proverbs 4 urges believers to pursue wisdom as one would pursue hidden treasure. The more we value it, the more of it God entrusts to us.
How to Grow in Wisdom and Understanding
-
Seek God Daily – Begin each day with prayer and Scripture. Wisdom grows through communion with God.
-
Apply What You Learn – Knowledge becomes wisdom only when it is lived out.
-
Surround Yourself with the Wise – Proverbs 13:20 reminds us, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise.”
-
Be Teachable – Pride blocks understanding. A humble heart invites it.
-
Reflect Often – Take time to think about the lessons God teaches through both success and hardship.
The Eternal Value of Wisdom
Everything else fades. Wealth disappears, beauty changes, strength declines, but wisdom endures. It prepares the heart for eternity because it is rooted in the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
When we seek wisdom, we are not simply learning how to live well in this world. We are learning how to walk with God Himself. And that, above all else, is the greatest understanding we can ever gain.
Leave a Reply