“Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all who live in this world, both low and high, rich and poor alike: My mouth will speak words of wisdom; the meditation of my heart will give you understanding. People who have wealth but lack understanding are like the beasts that perish” (Psalm 49:1-3,20).

Notice the opening words of this psalm: “Hear this, all you peoples.” This word is for all of us. Whether we have little social status or are highly influential, whether we are well-off or living day-to-day, this psalm insists that if we lack the understanding that comes from God, whatever else we gain does not profit us. Our first priority is seeking the kingdom wisdom and life that only God himself can give.

How can we start to grow in God’s wisdom? We can sit at the feet of Jesus, our Lord and Teacher, as did those who followed him when he walked the earth. We can marinate ourselves in the gospel and apply it to our own walk of faith.

During Jesus’ ministry, he astounded people with his life-giving teaching “because he spoke as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law” (Matthew 7:29). Jesus’ teaching is just as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago.

Each day we have an opportunity to let the words of God penetrate our hearts and bring us understanding. Out of that good beginning, we are equipped to invest ourselves in the work of his kingdom, whatever that work may be.