Proverb 10:13
“Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding
But a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.”
Wisdom and understanding go hand in hand. You cannot have wisdom without understanding. But in order to understand something, you have to think about it, ponder it, study it learn it. You didn’t just understand basic math, until you dedicate time and attention to the matter. I still don’t understand algebra. Because I haven’t given it my devotion. On the other hand, I have a little understanding of words and literature. Because I read about the craft. I study and practice it. I correct my faults when I find them. I assess and reassess my own writings. I read others and assess theirs. All for the sake of understanding what it means to be a clear and effective communicator.
So how can I deem myself wise without first doing the footwork? How do I gain wisdom, if I don’t first study it? And when I do study, how do I know if I’m gaining understanding? There will be evidence in my words. If I know and understand wisdom, my lips will speak it.
The next line is a little harsh, it seems. But I don’t think it’s intended to be a practical set of instructions. That is, if you don’t study wisdom, I don’t think it’s saying you need a good lashing. But I think it’s suggesting that the consequence is as though you had received a lashing. It’s painful. It scars. It separates the punisher from the punished. It stirs strife. The ramifications of lacking wisdom are far deeper and wider than the lacerations from a whip. They penetrate the mind, the heart and the soul.
Another translation says wisdom is found on the lips of the “discerning” and the rod is for the one that has no “sense”. I like the picture that’s painted with these words because it’s consistent with something we know to be true about the brain, It’s a muscle. If you exercise it, it’s strengthened. If you don’t, it’s weakened.
So to discern Wisdom, we need sense. But just as the strength of your core depends on sit ups and planks, sweat, determination and dedication; wisdom depends on the strengthening of our sense through deep meditative study.