if you keep seeking for it as for silver, and as for hid treasures you keep searching for it,

The repeated phrase “if you” in the opening passage of the second chapter of Proverbs is followed by such expressions as “receive,” “treasure up,” “call out,” “keep seeking,” “keep searching.” Why does the writer use these expressions of increasing intensity? Says one reference work: “The sage [here] emphasizes the necessity of earnestness in the pursuit of wisdom.” Yes, we must earnestly pursue wisdom and its related qualities​—discernment and understanding.

Will You Put Forth the Effort?

A major factor in the pursuit of wisdom is the diligent study of the Bible. This study, though, should be much more than reading simply for the sake of getting information. Purposeful meditation on what we read is an essential part of studying the Scriptures. Gaining wisdom and discernment involves pondering over how we can use what we are learning in solving problems and in making decisions. Acquiring understanding calls for contemplating how the new material fits in with what we already know. Who will deny that such a reflective study of the Bible requires time and energetic effort? The investment of time and energy is similar to that spent when ‘seeking for silver and searching for hid treasures.’ Will you put forth the needed effort? Will you ‘buy out the opportune time’ to do so?​—Ephesians 5:15, 16.