Wisdom Is the Principal Thing

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Prov. 4:7 KJV)

Have you ever made a decision, only to realize later that it wasn’t a wise one? Maybe it was a bad business deal, a poor purchase, or a change in direction you shouldn’t have made. The list goes on and on. I know I’ve made plenty of those decisions over the years, and I’ve come to understand the meaning of the phrase, “Hindsight is 20/20.” Many times, I’ve asked myself, “How could I have made such a foolish decision?” It always seems clearer—after it’s too late.

The well-known actor John Wayne once said, “You can’t fix stupid.” In many ways, that rings true. But here’s the good news: God can. He doesn’t just point out our lack of wisdom—He provides the solution.

The way to wisdom comes from God

“God alone understands the way to wisdom; he knows where it can be found… And this is what he says to all humanity: ‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.’” (Job 28:23–28 NLT)

True wisdom isn’t found in experience alone, education, or even hindsight. It begins with God—reverencing Him, trusting Him, and choosing His ways over our own. When we do, He gives us the understanding we so often lack.

Therefore

If you need wisdom—and we all do—go to the source. Ask God. Seek it like something valuable. He promises not only to hear you, but to answer.

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)

“…if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.” (Prov. 2:4–5)