Companions of Wisdom

Proverbs 13:20 states, "He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." While it is true that we typically spend time with people who are similar to us, it is also true that those we spend time with have influence over us. We tend to become like them, and they will impact us for good or for evil.

Wisdom is a great companion, who in turn introduces us to a number of other great companions. Wisdom is associated with and accompanied by some other wonderful qualities. As we "hang out" with this group of stellar friends, we will profit as a result. Proverbs 8:12,14,&18 list eleven of wisdom's companions, each one of which is a different word. (I'm not smart enough to know what each of these words mean; my insights are taken from the definitions based on Strong's Concordance.)

Wisdom is the starting point. Wisdom has to do with being skillful in knowing what to do and what to say. It originates in the mind and is expressed through words and actions. Wisdom describes someone with the uncanny ability to always know just what to do.

The first companion is prudence. If the word were used in a negative sense, it would involve trickery, having just the right twist to fool people. This is a positive word, though; it involves having just the right twist or stratagem to give clarity or understanding.

The second companion is knowledge. This describes someone who is cunning or aware. It is someone who gains knowledge based on his observations. He sees something and is able to learn it.

The third companion is discretion. Discretion is an expression of sagacity; it is based on a plan. This describes someone who is able to consider a situation and come up with a plan to follow to give the best result.

The fourth companion is counsel. This is the ability to give advice and to guide others. It considers the situation and then presents a deliberate answer or direction to follow.

The fifth companion is sound wisdom. This would be used in talking about an undertaking or an enterprise, some project that is about to be launched. Sound wisdom gives support, understanding, and direction to help that project to be successful.

The sixth companion is understanding. This involves being able to evaluate and tell the difference between things. It is the ability to distinguish differences, perhaps subtle, and to cunningly discern the advantages or disadvantages of each component.

The seventh companion is power. The word comes from the idea of a powerful warrior or valiant champion, one who is able to meet extreme challenges and have the strength to gain victory over them.

The eighth companion is riches. This simply refers to the ability to accumulate wealth and to grow rich.

The ninth companion is honor. It has to do with giving something the proper weight or recognition that it deserves and is worthy of. It is splendor relegated based on the attributes or qualifications of the object or person in question.

The tenth companion is enduring wealth. Beyond just riches, these are resources with lasting quality. Instead of depreciating, they hold their value over time. They are solid, respected dividends brought about through solid, respected efforts.

The eleventh companion is righteousness. This is a moral rightness found in someone who has cleansed himself from impurity. He stands for justice and virtue, and he does what is right.

The fact that these great qualities accompany wisdom should not be surprising. They are pretty natural applications of Bible-based wisdom. A prudent person  uses godly wisdom to understand that extra little something that gives clarity to a situation. Biblical wisdom gives the right framework for properly observing and having knowledge of one's surroundings. Wisdom from the Word gives the discretion needed to devise the proper plan. God's wisdom allows a believer to give profitable counsel to others rather than just his own opinions. Wisdom from above fosters the soundness needed to direct projects properly. This wisdom based on the Bible enables a believer to have an understanding that distinguishes between things of differing value. God's wisdom gives power, as the energies are wisely directed in the best direction to adequately meet the challenges. Wisdom leads to good business sense, and riches come as the believer makes wise choices. Honor accompanies wisdom, as the worth of God's wisdom is manifested to others. More important than mere riches, Biblical wisdom promotes enduring wealth, bringing prosperity that is truly worthwhile and that will yield long-term benefit. Finally, godly wisdom will enable a believer to life a righteous and upright life as he makes the proper choices according to God's Word.

These wonderful qualities are found "along the way" as one pursues wisdom. Because of their close association with wisdom, they are logical by-products and come quite naturally to one who learns wisdom. Wisdom, in turn, comes as the fear of the Lord causes a believer to search His Word so that he can know God better and understand how to please Him. With such phenomenal benefits available through the study of the Word, why would a believer not want to spend time in it?

"I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. Counsel is mine and sound wisdom; I am understanding, power is mine. Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness." Proverbs 8:12,14,18 (NASB)