If I don't chase after wisdom, I will not fear God

Paul Tripp has this striking image that we all have an "inner lawyer": whenever we disagree with someone about something, or whenever someone makes us feel like we might be in the wrong, our inner lawyer gets to work. He defends our cause, wins the argument against our opponent (often many times over and increasingly convincingly, to the point where no rational person could fail to see that we are in the right) and convinces us of our righteousness and how we are guiltless in the situation. The inner lawyer does a great job of making us feel better about ourselves.

The inner lawyer is the enemy of true wisdom and righteousness.

I don't know about you, buy my inner lawyer is just far too good. He wins my case almost every time. But deeply to the detriment of my godliness and love for others. And even to the point of damaging my relationships with those closest to me.

How can I conquer this inner enemy who claims to be my friend? Surely the first step must be to truly recognise that I am not wise. Then my inner lawyer will have a much harder time convincing me that I must be in the right in each situation.

Proverbs has never been one of my favourite books in the Bible. I think that's probably because I don't understand many of them. So what a great place to start in growing in wisdom. Those proverbs that I do understand will make me wiser. Those that I don't understand should make me more humble.

if you call out for insight

and raise your voice for understanding,

if you seek it like silver

and search for it as for hidden treasures,

then you will understand the fear of the Lord

and find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2.3-5)

May I no longer be complacent in seeking God's wisdom, may I call out to him to give me insight, that I might know Him.