I was not motivated to pursue wisdom before reading the book, "The Secrets of Biblical Wisdom", by Kyle Searcy. Often, I would hear my church and christain friends casually speak of wisdom. Other people have even said I have wisdom. But I never quite understood what anyone meant. Even when I saw wisdom referenced in the bible, I couldn't fully grasp it. I use to think of it as the "pratical" aspect of knowledge; wisdom is using my knowledge to live in a smart or superior way. However, Searcy's book helped to expand my definition of wisdom by pointing out things such as the neccesity of revelation with wisdom and concepts such as "understanding" and "insight".
The book itself is divided into ten chapters. Each chapter is interspersed with "decrees" and prayers. At the end of each chapter are questions for meditation and pratical tips. Not only does Searcy offer examples from his own life but also, he provides tips on how to incorporate the wisdom he learned from his experiences to the reader's life. Although I have not gotten the chance to do all of the questions yet, I have benefited from the sections I have completed. The chapter dealing with wisdom's definiton and revelation were especially helpful. The most interesting and helpful section was chapters 2-5. It offered great insight into the nature of wisdom, the importance of wisdom and revelation together and, an interesting perspective on how Solomon was able "to hear" God's wisdom.
In accordance with one of Searcy's tips, I've begun a study of proverbs. Proverbs exhorts us to seek wisdom as if it were "a hidden treasure", more precious than rubies. While I'm not completely burning for wisdom yet, I understand that it is valuable. I am no longer just a passive absorber of it. I want to have more of it and the only way this can happen is if I intentionally pursue it. In addtion to asking God for more of it, I will also surround myself with wisdom; I'll read more wisdom literature and will begin to apply some of the pratical tips Searcy offers in the book.
One of the purposes for this book is to increase the reader's desire for wisdom and it suceeds in this purpose. My only criticism is I wish there were more examples, particularly in the section concerning discerning the wrong or demonic kind of wisdom. There could also be a little more content about the productiveness of wisdom and tips on time management. Nonetheless, if you need an introduction to wisdom, advice on how to apply wisdom to your life, or if you simply need motivation to pursue it, I recommend this book.
*** I recieved a free copy of this book, courtesy of Chosen Books, in exchange for my honest review. ***
