Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD. — Exodus 28:30

In Judaism, wisdom is something that should be sought, cultivated and taught — no matter what age we are. Enjoy this collection of inspirational thoughts and insights about this godly pursuit.

In modern times, because of our knowledge of how the brain works, we are used to referring to the head as the center of knowledge. But over and over in the Bible, it’s the heart, rather than the head, that is the source of wisdom.

Now, of course our brains do contain a lot of knowledge. Our brains are able to store facts and information. Our minds are incredible tools that God gave us to be able to remember important things like how to do math, spell tough words, or remember the date of a special anniversary.

But there’s a huge difference between knowledge and wisdom. Wisdom is not the record or recall of facts. Wisdom combines knowledge of information with a deeper understanding of what is right. Wisdom of the heart tells us how to use the knowledge stored in our heads.

Wisdom of the Heart

Among the special garments worn by the High Priest was the breastplate. In the breastplate was a special object called the Urim and Thummin, inscribed with the holy name of God, that allowed the High Priest to receive prophetic messages from God.

We read in Exodus, “Also put the Urim and the Thummim in the breastpiece, so they may be over Aaron’s heart whenever he enters the presence of the LORD. Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the LORD.”

The breastplate was worn over the High Priest’s heart. Mounted on the outside of the breastplate were stones engraved with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Whenever the nation needed guidance from God, the letters of the names on the breastpiece would provide the answer.

Prophetic wisdom from God for the nation of Israel came through the heart of the High Priest, through the names of the tribes. While none of us is a High Priest, there is a powerful message for us. Wisdom is not all about the intellect. While we don’t have the priestly breastplate today, this passage reminds us that God speaks to us through our hearts and through the spiritual strength of those who came before us.

Your turn: Remember to pray to God for answers whenever we seek guidance — and then listen with our hearts to the wisdom which He sends us.