WQ Not IQ

(Proverbs 24:3 KJV)  Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established:

We need to get into a historical frame of mind.  “House” (1004) is figurative here.  This is not talking about a building.  Solomon is talking about a home and a place for the family.  The idea continues in the next verse.  As Americans and a people of the twenty-first century we tend to think in terms of individuals.  The past thought in terms of generations, families, dynasties.  They took the long view.  England’s queen is part of the House of Windsor.  The House of Rothschild was a business empire.  It speaks not only of common blood but of ideals, values and goals.  It is a synonym for family.

We are part of the family of God.  In our case blood is thicker than water and for Christians it is the Blood we talk about.  We are one in the bond of love because of the Cross.  We call each other brother and sister because we are of the House of God.  This house is “built” (1129) by what we believe and how we believe it.

We again see “wisdom” (2451) and “understanding” (8394).  These two words are used together in the same verse 46 times in the NASB.  That must say something about the meaning of wisdom.  It is possible to have knowledge without understanding, but not wisdom.

We are to build with “wisdom” (2451).  Remember that this is a gift of the Spirit.  That means that some will have a special dispensation.  It also means that everyone will have some.  And the message of Proverbs is that we can build our wisdom quotient.  You have heard of IQ.  We have a WQ.  It is only built by studying the word of God, spending time with God and applying what results from that.

What kind of house are you trying to build?  When your grandchildren look back, what kind of heritage do you want them to see?  Will they see bank accounts, property and lots of furniture?  Those things are not automatically evil.  They can be but don’t have to be.  Will they see wisdom, character and righteousness?  What they see in the past will be lived out in their daily lives.  The house you build now will pay dividends in generations.

So build a house that will endure.  One you would want to be a part of if you were your own grandchild.  Build for the future by laying a foundation of wisdom today.  It won’t be found in the psychology, education or self help section of Borders.  It will be found in the Word of God.