Proverbs 18.15
“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”
Wise people are lifelong learners. At every stage of life they display hunger and humility. Wise people have a deep hunger to learn and grow, and they have the humility to acknowledge they have much to learn. They pursue growth; they don’t protect ego.
If you are arrogant, you won’t grow. You can’t learn what you think you already know. Coach John Wooden said it clearly and succinctly: “It’s what you learn after you think you know it all that counts.”
If you want to grow and get better, you have to be hungry and humble. This is the condition that must be met in order to enjoy the blessings of wisdom is that you must seek wisdom as you would seek treasure. You must recognize the immeasurable value of wisdom. You must seek it relentlessly, with all your heart. Ask for it. Cry out for it. Search for it. If you want true wisdom, you can’t dabble. It is not a casual, occasional pursuit.
“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2.1-5)
The relentless pursuit of wisdom will bring you face-to-face with the Creator. Wisdom doesn’t come from somewhere, it comes from Someone. Seek the Lord and you will see his greatness and holiness. You will see the truth he has spoken in scripture. You will see the truth he designed in the laws of physics. You will begin to understand his purposes and plans, and you will learn the principles he has given for how people ought to live and work in the world he created. Most importantly, the Lord will teach you how to apply wisdom to the situations and people in your life.
Trust God and do the work.
