I teach philosophy, and it’s not easy–especially for the students. This is no surprise given our lofty goal to make some progress toward wisdom. Often students can have a sense that they are just not cut out for this. This can cause real grief, since surely we are all made to become to wise.

It seems to be a piece of wisdom that the most important things—such as wisdom itself—don’t come easily. Such noble goods (such as also virtue, friendship, or proficiency in most arts or crafts) require much of us, usually including intentional cultivation over time.

This is certainly central in my approach to my students. How many times have I said: ‘Don’t worry, be patient,’ or ‘Steady onward, your effort will show its fruit in due time.’

I stand by this because I’m convinced it’s true from the people I have observed.

And then I read about wisdom in Scripture: “One who rises early to seek her will have no difficulty, for she will be found sitting at the gate.” (Wisdom 6:14) And so I wonder if I’m missing something; or rather, not if I’m missing something but what I’m missing and how I can understand this better.

Somehow, one can find wisdom sitting right there at the gate, even while it seems obvious that most people do not so find her, including some who at least seem to be looking.

The solution might be in attending carefully to the meaning of ‘rise early.’ Perhaps there is rising early, and there is rising early. The next two verses seem to verify this. “To fix one’s thought on her is perfect understanding, and one who is vigilant on her account will soon be free from care, because she goes about seeking those worthy of her, and she graciously appears to them in their paths, and meets them in every thought.”

So we have dispositions in the seeker and the sought that correspond to one another and bring them together. The one seeking must ‘fix one’s thought’ and be ‘vigilant’—the latter word seeming to point again to a willingness to get up even quite early. This might entail more than first meets the eye. And then, remarkably, we have a corresponding disposition in the object sought—wisdom too is somehow looking for those who would find her!

The ancient philosophers I love so much thought the search for wisdom is a full-person commitment. I can’t recall a place where they spoke of wisdom itself seeking to be found. Though in fairness to them, it is striking how much confidence they had that those who really seek will indeed find. Had they perhaps experienced, though faintly, that wisdom truly does want to be found; but that there are certain barriers, or rather doors, that have a knob only on our side?

In the end, we should wonder in the ‘search for wisdom’ just who is seeking whom. What a notion—that wisdom herself is vigilant, waiting, and even patient! (I thought I was the one who must wait.) There she is, sitting at the gate, my gate. And I can find her, if I but take reasonable steps to open the door and go out to meet her.

Yes, it will require much of me. She is seeking those ‘worthy of her!’ But surely it is by her power that we become worthy. Lord, I will never fully understand this astounding dynamic. Please help me to notice (!) and receive your advances, and to do my part. This might include studying long and hard—according to my state in life. It will definitely entail that I ‘love righteousness’ (Wisdom 1:1) and cultivate a ‘holy and disciplined spirit’ (1:5) whatever my state.  Grant me a patience to match yours. For I long to meet you not only at my gate but ‘in every thought’ of my every day! ~ ~ ~

NEW PODCAST 5 TIPS FOR EATING BETTER STARTING TODAY WITH NOURISHING TRADITIONS. Eating well should be a major focus in the home, but it’s often hard to know where to start. Sofia and I share how Sally Fallon’s Nourishing Traditions changed how we eat, and how it can do the same for you. Enjoy and share our other podcasts HERE.

Our most recent Read-Aloud. ‘The Atheist,’ a short story by Walter Macken. Beautiful and challenging, touching and provocative, this story of a sickly yet soulful boy is sure to move you, and get you thinking. Can be suitable for all ages, but with guidance/discussion for the young. Listen as podcast HERE.

John Cuddeback

Husband, father, and professor of Philosophy. LifeCraft springs from one conviction: there is an ancient wisdom about how to live the good life in our homes, with our families; and it is worth our time to hearken to it. Let’s rediscover it together. Learn more.