I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. 

Proverbs 8:17 

Explanation:

Wisdom continues to speak in verse 17, and what is being said is quite profound.  Wisdom says that she loves those that love wisdom.  It may seem weird to think of a character trait like wisdom exhibiting another trait like love.  What is the point being made?  Wisdom does not discriminate by any skin color, economic status, social status, or country of origin.  Remember the foundational premise of the book of Proverbs.  The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  It is possible for anyone who begins with the fear of the Lord to obtain wisdom.  By definition there must be an abandoning of foolishness, but wisdom is obtainable by anyone.

This is corroborated by the second half of the verse which promises wisdom to those who seek after her.  Notice that it says to “seek early”.  The idea here is not a haphazard searching for wisdom that would be “nice to have”.  This is the idea that the person who prioritizes seeking out wisdom will find wisdom when they do.

We have access to so much wisdom in the Word of God.  The Creator of the Universe entered in to human History and revealed Himself to us.  The King of Kings wrote a book and tells us what the purpose of the book is in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 

The scripture is God’s Word.  It is good for teaching us to think rightly and correcting where we think wrongly.  It is good for correcting our behavior and giving us instruction for living so that we can grow into maturity, being fully equipped to all the good and wise things that God desires for us to do.  We will find no great repository of wisdom than the Word of God.

Application:

Wisdom is not some unobtainable quality.  It is something that we have access to, and if we seek it with our whole hearts we will find it.  If we ask God for wisdom, He will give it to us.

We need wisdom.  We should feel that need and seek after it early!

Response:

What does it look like for you to make seeking for wisdom part of your lifestyle?