3gb, Yes, putting forth effort to gain wisdom is our personal responsibility. Emphasizing this fact, Solomon states:"If you become wise, you are wise to your own advantage, But if you are a ridiculer, you alone will bear it."(Proverbs 9:12) The wise one is wise to his own benefit, and the ridiculer alone is to blame for his own suffering. Indeed, we reap what we sow.
The Bible book of Proverbs was primarily written to impart wisdom and discipline. Its opening words read: "The proverbs of Sol′o·mon, the son of David, the king of Israel: 2 To learn wisdom and discipline; To understand wise sayings;" (Proverbs 1:1,2)
Consider the solid teachings of the first few chapters of Proverbs. Like a loving father urging his son, Solomon entreats his readers to accept discipline and pay attention to wisdom. (Chapters 1 and 2) He shows us how to cultivate intimacy with Jehovah and how to safeguard our heart. (Chapters 3 and 4) We are admonished to remain morally chaste. (Chapters 5 and 6) Yes, invaluable to us is the exposé of the method of operation of an immoral person. (Chapter 7) And how attractive to everyone is the appeal of personified wisdom! (Chapter 8)
