[1] 2:3-6 Wisdom comes in two ways: It is a God-given gift and also
the result of an energetic search. Wisdom’s starting point is God
and his revealed Word, the source of “knowledge and under-
standing” (2:6). In that sense, wisdom is God’s gift to us. But he
gives it only to those who earnestly seek it.

[2] But because God’s
wisdom is hidden from the rebellious and foolish, it takes effort
to find it and use it. The pathway to wisdom is strenuous. When
we are on the path, we discover that true wisdom is God’s and that
he will guide us and reward our sincere and persistent search.

[3] 2:6, 7 God gives wisdom and victory to the godly but not to
those drifting through life or acting irresponsibly with his gifts
and resources. If we are faithful to him and keep our purpose in
life clearly in mind, he will keep us from pride and greed.

[4] 2:9, 10 We gain wisdom through a constant process of grow-
ing. First, we must trust and honor God. Second, we must realize
that the Bible reveals God’s wisdom to us. Third, we must make
a lifelong series of right choices and avoid moral pitfalls.

[5] Fourth, when we make sinful choices or mistakes, we must learn from
our errors and recover. People don’t develop all aspects of
wisdom at once. For example, some people have more insight
than discretion; others have more knowledge than common
sense. But we can pray for all aspects of wisdom and take the
steps to develop them.

[6] 2:16, 17 An immoral or promiscuous woman is seductive or
a prostitute. Two of the most difficult sins to resist are pride
and sexual immorality. Both are seductive. Pride says, “I deserve
it’; sexual desire says, “| need it.” In combination, their appeal
is deadly. In fact, says Solomon, only by relying on God’s
strength can we overcome them.

[7] Pride appeals to the empty
head; sexual enticement to the empty heart. By looking to God,
we can fill our heads with his wisdom and our hearts with his
love. Don’t be fooled—remember what God says about who you
are and what you were meant to be. Ask him for strength to
resist these temptations.