Gratitudes

Seeking Wisdom: A Journey Through Proverbs

I can get caught up chasing knowledge—understanding, answers, clarity. But what if wisdom isn’t something we gather… but something we live? What if it’s not about having the right words— but becoming the kind of person who walks them out?

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As most things do, this article is brought to you because of an idea.
One I’m choosing to act on in this very moment—for better or worse.

What better time than the present to step into something new.

A commitment.
A quest.
A challenge.
…maybe even a calling.

One book of the Bible.
One chapter at a time.
A few verses—or a small section—

And then… just share.

Share the verses.
Share thoughts.
Share questions.
Share ideas.

Just… share.

No pressure to have it all figured out.
No need for perfect understanding.
Just a willingness to show up, reflect, and grow.

I think I’d like to begin with Proverbs—
because, really… who doesn’t need wisdom?

Proverbs invites us to pause.
To take an honest look at our lives—
our actions, our thoughts, our choices.

It nudges us to examine:
our reasoning,
our relationships,
our goals,
our commitments,
our growth.

It asks deeper questions like:
Why do we do what we do?
Who are we doing it for?
And how does one build a caring, righteous community?

So—with that—

Let’s begin.

Tree of Life Version (2015)

Chapter One
"The Value of Wise Sayings"
Verses 1 through 6

"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
to acquire knowledge and discipline,
to Understand the words of insight,
to receive instruction in wise behavior,
righteousness, justice and fairness,
to give discernment to the naive,
knowledge and discretion to the youth
(let the wise listen and increase learning
and the discerning obtain wise counsel)
to understand a proverb and a puzzle,
the sayings of the wise and their riddles."

What first strikes me is that wisdom isn’t just knowledge or information
—it’s something practiced.
Something lived.
Something shared.
Something acquired.
That the search for wisdom involves discipline and discernment.
That it takes effort on our part.

I’m also curious…
what does it really mean to “receive instruction”?
Am I actually open to that—or do I just think I am?

That being wise also means we do not,
and likely cannot, know everything.

I love that it mentions obtaining wise counsel.
That the wise don’t simply possess wisdom—
they pursue it.

They listen.
They seek to understand.
They choose to grow.

And maybe that’s part of the reward—
not just the wisdom itself,
but the becoming that happens along the way.

Because only in doing so,
—through discipline, discernment, instruction, and counsel—
can we begin to understand
a proverb…
or a puzzle.

That there is reward for putting in the time, effort, and intention.

Diving Deeper - one word at a time

✦ Wisdom — Chokhmah (חָכְמָה) ✦

The Hebrew word for wisdom here is Chokhmah (חָכְמָה)
—and it’s not just knowledge or information.

It’s lived skill.
Practiced, God-centered understanding.
An active choice to live consciously—responsibly—
with sound judgment and moral integrity.

It is to live in and with a healthy reverence
—what Scripture calls “fear”—
and love of God.

One isn’t wise simply because they are intelligent—
but because of how they live.

This makes me pause…
because that means wisdom isn’t something we simply have—
it’s something we hone.
Something we practice.
Something... we become.

As I continue to study,
I pray for guidance, deeper understanding, and wisdom.
I long to connect the dots
— from the original language, history, culture, etc.
All in an effort to build my relationship with Adonai,
and His chosen people,
in context, with purpose,
to gain insight and chokhmah.