Wisdom Is the Principle Thing
Prov 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Prov 7:4 Say unto wisdom, Thou art my sister; and call understanding thy kinswoman: KJV
Prov 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
I will begin with what I believe is the most significant scripture on wisdom from Prov 4:7; wisdom is the principle thing. The definition of a ‘principle thing’ is a standard, an important or main ingredient. Much like a traditional cake without the flour or sugar, would be lacking without these two staples, so would the attempt of success in life be without the application of wisdom.
Wisdom is not the simple accumulation of facts and figures. Even the ability to recall vast amounts of trivia will only, perhaps, make you a formidable Jeopardy contestant. It is not even accurate to assume that advanced age, grey hair, is a guarantee of this elusive quality. Wisdom is the proper application of the facts, figures experiences and way marks in life to enhance its quality and quantity.
How does one acquire this wisdom?
1 Cor 3:18-19
18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.KJV
James 3:15-18
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.KJV
James 1:5
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.KJV
From the look of these scriptures, wisdom is not a learned phenomenon neither can it be handed down as you might leave something in a will. True wisdom is of God and since it is He who is omniscient; there is no better source.