Get Wisdom and Insight
Author: Stephen Weller
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. (Proverbs 4:7 ESV)
To say “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom” appears confusing and maybe redundant, but it is designed to express the importance of wisdom as the central theme in the book of Proverbs. In Proverbs 8:17 ESV, wisdom is expressed as a person: “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.” This reminds one of Jesus as expressed in Colossians 2:3 ESV: “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” To seek for wisdom, we should seek to find Jesus and study his life and out of love obey what he teaches.
To “get wisdom” requires discernment because James explains to us that there are two kinds of wisdom: that from above and that which is earthly. James 3:15 – 17 ESV: 15 “This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” Is not this wisdom from above a description of Jesus? To get wisdom is to get Jesus.
In addition to getting wisdom we are to be sure to get insight. What then is insight? According to Proverbs 9:10, the “knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” Synonyms for insight are vision, understanding, awareness, intuition, and perception. It is “the capacity to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of a person or thing.” (from smart lookup, powered by Oxford Dictionaries).
To gain knowledge of the Holy One and to gain an accurate and deep intuitive understanding of his ways, one would need to systematically study the Scriptures. This needs to be a part of daily living, for without it we are not truly living.
Father, if life is to be deep and rich there is no substitute to knowing Jesus and his word and living it out in loving obedience. Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 ESV), and in him “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
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Summary Theme
The supreme priority of pursuing wisdom above all else.
Summary Paragraph
Proverbs 4:7 presents a foundational principle for godly living: wisdom must be actively sought and valued above all earthly pursuits. The verse emphasizes that wisdom is not accidental but intentional—it must be acquired through deliberate effort, reverence for God, and a teachable heart. True wisdom begins with recognizing its necessity and then committing oneself to obtain it, regardless of cost. Alongside wisdom, understanding (insight) is essential, enabling a person to rightly apply truth in daily life. This verse calls believers to reorder their priorities, placing spiritual discernment and godly understanding above material gain, personal ambition, or temporary success.
Discussion Questions with Extended Answers
1. What does it mean that “the beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom”?
Answer:
This phrase highlights that wisdom starts with a conscious decision to pursue it. It is not merely intellectual knowledge but a spiritual commitment to seek God’s truth. The “beginning” implies both the starting point and the chief principle; wisdom begins when a person recognizes their need for it and actively seeks it. This aligns with Proverbs 1:7, where the fear of the Lord is the foundation of knowledge. Therefore, pursuing wisdom begins with humility, reverence for God, and a willingness to be taught.
2. Why does the verse emphasize “whatever you get, get insight”?
Answer:
This phrase stresses that no matter what else a person acquires, wealth, education, or success, understanding must not be neglected. Insight refers to the ability to discern truth and apply wisdom correctly in real-life situations. Without understanding, knowledge can be misused or remain ineffective. The verse teaches that wisdom and insight work together: wisdom provides the principles, and insight enables proper application. This ensures that a believer’s life reflects God’s truth in practical and meaningful ways.
3. What does this verse teach about priorities in life?
Answer:
Proverbs 4:7 teaches that wisdom should be the highest priority, surpassing all material or temporal pursuits. Many people prioritize success, possessions, or status, but this verse redirects focus to what is eternal and spiritually valuable. By making wisdom the primary pursuit, all other aspects of life, decisions, relationships, and goals, are guided by God’s truth. This reordering of priorities leads to a life that is stable, purposeful, and aligned with God’s will.
4. How can a believer actively “get wisdom” today?
Answer:
A believer gains wisdom through several intentional practices: studying Scripture, prayer, seeking godly counsel, and applying biblical truth in daily life. Wisdom is not gained instantly but developed over time through obedience and experience. James 1:5 also encourages believers to ask God for wisdom, promising that He gives it generously. Therefore, pursuing wisdom involves both divine dependence and personal discipline; regular engagement with God’s Word and a willingness to live according to it.
5. What are the consequences of neglecting wisdom and understanding?
Answer:
Neglecting wisdom leads to poor decision-making, spiritual confusion, and often harmful consequences. Without wisdom, individuals are guided by emotions, cultural influences, or flawed reasoning rather than God’s truth. This can result in moral failure, broken relationships, and a lack of direction. Proverbs consistently contrasts the wise and the foolish, showing that the absence of wisdom leads to destruction, while its pursuit leads to life, peace, and stability. This verse serves as both an invitation and a warning; wisdom must be pursued, or it will be absent.
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