Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.  Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

Proverbs 4:6-7

King Solomon in all of his riches came to understand what the most valuable treasure one could possess; wisdom.   Wisdom is not just knowledge heard and stored in our memory banks, but it is applied knowledge through the process of exercising what one has learned.  The root word implies being wise in a skillful manner.

In this passage, he says do not forsake wisdom; do not turn away or renounce her; as wisdom will protect you and watch over you.   Though it cost you all you have, get understanding. 

The word cost means; the output of effort or sacrifice that is made to achieve something.  It also means to incur loss or penalty in an effort to gain something.  

Growing great faith is a process that comes with a cost.  It is not something we purchase like an item at a store.  It is something that must be acquired, nurtured and matured.  This takes place when we are willing to pay the price.  The price is the output of effort or sacrifice one makes to achieve or gain something.

If we are going to live a life of faith, we will have to forsake our childish ways that cause us to want to acquire something without much effort.  We will then need to embrace the effort of practically applying the truths of God’s Word which we have learned, so that knowledge is proven, and wisdom is gained.

As you forge ahead today, make a decision to forsake the short cuts that promise great things, but in the end rob you of your goal.  Embrace a patient and teachable attitude which will empower as you make an investment that will pay great dividends in the end.   

If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you.

Proverbs 4:8 (NLT)