My daughter-in-law grew up hiking trails with her family. So before her wedding to our son, it seemed like a fun idea to get both families together on a hike in Colorado. And it was an enjoyable (and unforgettable) day, but this West Texas girl quickly realized hiking takes some practice.

This memory came to mind as I read Proverbs 2 in the Message Translation recently. I’ve always loved Proverbs 2:6 which says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” I went to this verse on purpose to remind myself of this promise. But as I read all of Proverbs 2 in various translations, I was especially encouraged by the candid way the Message reads it.

Good friend, take to heart what I’m telling you;
collect my counsels and guard them with your life.
Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom;
set your heart on a life of Understanding.
That’s right—if you make Insight your priority,
and won’t take no for an answer,
Searching for it like a prospector panning for gold,
like an adventurer on a treasure hunt,
Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours;
you’ll have come upon the Knowledge of God.

And here’s why: God gives out Wisdom free,
is plainspoken in Knowledge and Understanding.
He’s a rich mine of Common Sense for those who live well,
a personal bodyguard to the candid and sincere.
He keeps his eye on all who live honestly,
and pays special attention to his loyally committed ones.
So now you can pick out what’s true and fair,
find all the good trails!

Lady Wisdom will be your close friend,
and Brother Knowledge your pleasant companion.
Good Sense will scout ahead for danger,
Insight will keep an eye out for you.
They’ll keep you from making wrong turns,
or following the bad directions
Of those who are lost themselves
and can’t tell a trail from a tumbleweed (Proverbs 2:1-13, MSG).

Wisdom is such a gift.

When the Bible talks about wisdom, it’s actually talking about applied knowledge. Meaning, it’s not enough to know about something. It’s applying what you know that creates wisdom.

I love to understand. I love to search the scriptures and find answers. But if all I ever do is store up knowledge, I’m not really helped (or any wiser). Similar to my hiking experience with my daughter-in-law’s family, knowing of mountains and trails is not the same as actually walking them!

As the verse said, we should search for wisdom like “a prospector panning for gold [or] an adventurer on a treasure hunt.” But don’t stop there. God gives wisdom; from His mouth comes all knowledge and understanding. He will gladly show you the path of life– and equip you to walk on it with ease and skill.

We sure don’t want to be like those who are “lost… and can’t tell a trail from a tumbleweed”! (Lord, help us.)

Thankfully, we don’t have to. God has given us His Word and His Spirit as guides. And He promises that if we seek Him, not only will we find Him (wisdom) but He gives liberally to all who ask for help (James 1:5).

So find a trail.

Go on the hunt for the wisdom you need. I promise God will keep you from making wrong turns and getting lost. Not only will He guard your path as you follow Him, but He knows the best trails for your life. You won’t be disappointed.