Seeking Wisdom is Good, But Loving God is Better

How many “aha” moments can a person have in a short period of time? I feel as though they’re coming at me from every direction. Each time they hit me, I wonder why I haven’t noticed these truths earlier. Learning never stops, nor should it!

The speaker at the family Bible camp I attended earlier this month preached from the life of David. One day he compared David with his son Solomon and made this observation: David was a man who sought God, but his son Solomon sought wisdom. David was considered a man after God’s own heart, but Solomon was undone by his love for foreign women.

The speaker encouraged us to follow David’s example—to seek the Lord above all else. This morning I read David’s advice to Solomon when he commissioned him to build the Temple:

“Now my son, may the LORD be with you and give you success as you follow his directions in building the Temple of the LORD your God. And may the LORD give you wisdom and understanding, that you may obey the Law of the LORD your God as you rule over Israel. For you will be successful if you carefully obey the decrees and regulations that the LORD gave to Israel through Moses. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart…Now seek the LORD your God with all your heart and soul” (1 Chronicles 22:19 NLT).

Here’s my latest aha moment

David counseled Solomon to seek the Lord with all his heart and soul because he knew wisdom, strength, and courage would be natural outcomes if he kept first things first.

I’m not saying that seeking wisdom isn’t a good thing. It is. Scripture commands us to be wise as serpents. We need to learn from others who have lived victorious and effective Christian lives. We need to learn from history’s mistakes lest we repeat them. Seeking wisdom is good. But it’s not as all-important as seeking intimacy with the Lord.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength,” says Mark 12:30.

When we keep first things first, other things follow:

“Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).

When we make God our focus and give Him first place in our lives, then everything else falls into place. Loving and knowing Him is the key to wisdom, strength, and courage. It makes us ultra-sensitive to sin in our lives and to the Holy Spirit’s gentle promptings. It’s the source of peace, contentment, and joy.

Seek wisdom but sow time and effort into seeking the Lord’s face more. Delve into His Word, develop ongoing communication with Him, and allow His Spirit to fill and control you, and you’ll reap wisdom.