The Blessedness of Finding Wisdom and Discernment! Proverbs 3:13

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding. Proverbs 3:13

Happy is the man who finds the wisdom of God.  That is what our proverb says today.  But the happiness spoken of here is no mere good mood - it is a happiness rooted in spiritual things - in knowing God Himself. 

The word "blessed" here is the Hebrew word "eser" and it means to be in a state of bliss.  This word is almost exclusively used in a poetic context and is usually used in an exclamation.  "Oh the blessedness!"  would be the normal expression using this word.  This word is used several times to speak of the joy and blessedness - indeed the bliss enjoyed by someone who has a relationship with God.  Here though, the word is referring to one who finds the wisdom of God.  Even more so, the blessing refers to one who not only gathers wisdom from God - but who can use it to discern.  He gains understanding from God's wisdom entering his life. 

When we find wisdom, we learn to turn from the worldly ways of this present life and seek out God's answers for things.  We come to see life from the perspective of God.  What God thinks and what God wants becomes paramount in our lives.  Oh, what a blessing comes when we finally turn from our own selfish thinking and learn to look at things His way.  We turn from the insanity of a self-driven life to a life guided and led by a loving God who knows what is best in every situation. 

When we gain understanding we are even more blessed.  This is the ability to discern - to distinguish between things that differ.  We can know the difference between our will and God's will.  We know what is right and what is wrong.  We can discern between two or three different options which one is God's will.  In a world where we have to make hundereds of decisions each day - that is a wonderful gift. 

If you have found wisdom - and are gaining understanding - don't take it for granted.  It is a rare thing for a man to have wisdom come into his life.  It is an act of God's grace and mercy.  For this you should fall to your knees and thank God for such a fantastic gift!