So teach us to number our days, That we may cultivate and bring to You a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12 (AMP)
I used the Amplified Version of this Scripture because I liked the word “cultivate”.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary’s definition of cultivate means
– to prepare or prepare and use
– to foster the growth
– to improve by labor, care, or study
So, how do you cultivate a heart of wisdom?
According to this definition, you should prepare your heart so that it can foster growth. You need to improve by labor, care and study – to bring to God a heart of wisdom.
If you do a Bible search of “heart”, in the NIV you will find that Proverbs has over 75 references – more than any other book of the Bible. The Book of Proverbs is considered to be the Book of Wisdom.
- Turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding – Proverbs 2:2
- For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul – Proverbs 2:10
- Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning – Proverbs 14:33
So, if you are going to cultivate a heart of wisdom, the Bible is truly the only good place to “labor, care and study”!
Let’s look at a few more verses from Proverbs concerning the heart:
Do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart (3:1)
The wise in heart accept commands (10:8)
The discerning heart seeks knowledge (15:4)
The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction (16:23)
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out (18:15)
Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge (23:12)
Be wise, and set your heart on the right path (27:11)
Proverbs were written by King Solomon.
2 Chronicles 1 tells us this account of King Solomon.
Solomon son of David established himself firmly over his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great. (v. 1)
One night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (v.7) Solomon asked God for wisdom and knowledge in order to lead and govern God’s people. (v. 10)
This was God’s reply to him.
“Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.” (v. 11-12)
Notice that God knew Solomon’s heart. And because his heart’s desire was for the wisdom and knowledge of God more than anything else – not only did God give him great wisdom, but God also gave him wealth, possessions and honor – more than he had ever given anyone else, or ever would again.
So what can you learn today from Solomon, and from the book of Proverbs?
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. (4:7)
What is your heart’s desire?