Wisdom is an elusive thing; there aren’t very many wise people in the world today, way less than many would think. Solomon, who wrote the book of Proverbs, said that in his search for wisdom and wise people, he only found one in a thousand. Wisdom must be sought with great diligence, as people would search for gold, silver, and precious treasure.

People who think they are wise don’t find it, naive people don’t find it, fearful and anxious people don’t find it, lazy people don’t find it, know-it-alls don’t find it, only those who know they need more, recognize how important it is to succeed in life, and who seek it as if their life depended on it find it.

Proverbs 2:1-6 My son, if you will receive my words and treasure my commandments within you, make your ear attentive to wisdom, incline your heart to understanding; For if you cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding; If you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.

The first stage of wisdom is knowing what to do and what to say in any situation or circumstance that you find yourself in. The second stage is knowing what others ought to do and say in any situation or circumstance they find themselves in. You can become wise for yourself, then for your family, and then for your friends.

The key to becoming wise is reading, studying, and memorizing the Bible. The more you do, the more wisdom you will get; it is `as simple as that.

Psalms 119:98-100 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, For they are ever mine. I have more insight than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, Because I have observed Your precepts.

The second discipline to practice regularly is reading good books written by wise people. One of the initial levels of wisdom as you seek it is knowing who to seek more wisdom from and then doing it, reading a lot.

Then listen to podcasts by wise people, listen a lot, listen while you drive, while you mow your lawn, and while you exercise. Many people listen to music while driving, but most aren’t worshipping with that music; they are just being entertained. Seek wisdom, so instead, listen to good sermons and teachings on how to live life successfully.

If you personally know wise people ask them questions, lots of questions, and listen well.

And then write down what you learn in your very own book of Proverbs, your book of wisdom. I call mine “Dee-Duke’s Axioms for Life.” I may publish it someday.