If you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. (Proverbs 2:4-5)

"Reality television" (which, for the record, is probably one of the most unrealistic expressions of human civilization that I know!) thrives on the tension of a treasure hunt.  Searching for the nation's greatest singer / dancer / pop-star / model / entrepreneur.  Running through airports and train stations around the world, trying to be the first to locate some obscure objective.  Scheming and strategizing and scrapping to gain immunity or alliances in a contest to see who will be the last housemate / comic / islander remaining.  Sometimes it's simply searching for beauty or fearlessness or the perfect home or relationship... It's all a big scavenger hunt.  An all-out search for whatever object is most coveted in a particular setting.  It seems to be a part of our culture to go all-out when a search for something valuable is at stake.

So why don't we typically do this when wisdom is at stake?

What's up with our culture when we will passionately pursue money, fame, popularity, romance, and beauty -- but not apply the same energies to becoming wiser, more understanding, and more mature?  It can't be good for us, neither on the societal level nor on the individual level.  Our society is by no means the first to struggle with such misplaced priorities (think of 18th Century France, or 3rd Century Rome, or even Solomon's Israel).  But we'd do well to realize that a supremely valuable prize is up for grabs, for all who will seek it out.  And unlike the Incredible Goose-Chase or Canada's Next Top Dentist or Mechanic Seeks Wife -- where only one or two people can ultimately win the prize -- the search for wisdom and understanding can reap benefits for anyone and everyone who submits himself or herself to such an undertaking.

"If you look for it as for silver and search for itr as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." (Proverbs 2:4-5)

God's waiting to give it to us.  We just have to decide that we want it -- that we'd be willing to subject ourselves to dangerous stunts, potential public humiliation, and massive amounts of self-discipline to get it...  or at least spend some time reading, considering, and applying the wisdom of the Bible on a regular basis.  That doesn't sound so difficult, does it?  We don't even have to send in a cheesy audition tape to do it (though you can if you want).  And difficult or not, that's the search in which I'm going to invest my energy.