“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.”

Proverbs 8:12

Notice in this verse those who surround wisdom: prudence, knowledge, and discretion. In other words, as you grow in wisdom, you should notice the other qualities as well. For example, if you lack discretion, it is very likely you lack wisdom as well. If you are growing in prudence, then it is likely a sign that you are growing in wisdom.

If you ever wonder if you have wisdom, it may be a good idea to look for the presence of wisdom’s three partners in your life as a self-test.

“My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you;”

Proverbs 7:1 ESV

If we are not careful, we may read past the word treasure. The word keep deals with the action, the word treasure deals with the heart. It may be helpful to be reminded that the word treasure means to highly value.

Let that sink in a bit.

A worthless person, a wicked man,
    goes about with crooked speech,
winks with his eyes, signals with his feet,
    points with his finger,
with perverted heart devises evil,
    continually sowing discord;

Proverbs 6:12-14 ESV

According to Proverbs 6:12-14, the one who continually sows discord is a “worthless person, a wicked man.” Be careful how much time you spend in the presence of that person. Be careful not to be that person because sowing discord is more than an irritating personality trait. It is sin.

“For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey,

    and her speech is smoother than oil,

⁴ but in the end she is bitter as wormwood,

    sharp as a two-edged sword.”

Proverbs 5:3 ESV

Because everything is not as it appears, wisdom is a necessity. This proverb is an example of the exceedingly deceptive nature of sin. But, wisdom can help us recognize the deception; for wisdom provides discernment and understanding.

Are you preparing for the deceptions that will come your way daily by increasing your wisdom? Or, are you simply playing things as they come? The former is a plan that leads to life; the latter leads to death.

“Hear, my son, and accept my words,

    that the years of your life may be many.”

Proverbs 4:10 ESV

Once again, the writer makes the connection between gaining wisdom and gaining years. Note that here, as in 3:1, the heart is involved. To accept wisdom’s words is a matter of the heart. What is your heart health in relation to wisdom?