The pursuit of wisdom

The pursuit of Wisdom seems to be an obsession for our culture today.

You can see this in the sheer number of podcasts, video tutorials on youtube, TED talks, and self-help books. There is a massive amount of searching for wisdom going on all around us.

But so much (if not most) of this searching is based on the assumption that wisdom can be found in a product that can be packaged and delivered to whoever wants it. Wisdom is found in the prize. In the thing. In the podcast, video, or seminar. We say to ourselves, “If I just make time and money to book that mindfulness yoga retreat in Costa Rica, then I will have the wisdom I need.” Or, “If I just hire that life coach, then I will gain the wisdom I’m seeking.” Or, maybe, “If I just listen to the right sermon, all my problems will be resolved.”

But in all this searching for wisdom, are we really finding it?

Wisdom is not found in the object (the spouse, or the podcast, or the next best thing) nor is it found through the behavior (the virtue, or living perfectly). Wisdom is found through the desire to find Wisdom. Wisdom is a person, and when you seek her with all your heart, you will find her.

 Out in the open Wisdom calls aloud,
    she raises her voice in the public square;
on top of the wall she cries out,
    at the city gate she makes her speech:

“How long will you who are simple

    love your simple ways?
  How long will mockers delight in mockery
    and fools hate knowledge?
Repent at my rebuke!
    Then I will pour out my thoughts to you,
   I will make known to you my teachings.”

Proverbs 1:20-23, NIV