The ancient rabbis certainly thought so.

We find this idea beautifully illustrated in Shemot Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations on the Book of Exodus. It uses a verse from Proverbs (9:9), "Give to the wise person, and he will grow wiser," as a lens through which to view the actions of Noah, Moses, and Betzalel.

Let's start with Noah. Remember the story? God tells him, "From every pure animal, take for yourself seven of each, a male and his mate; and of the animals that are not pure, two, a male and his mate" (Genesis 7:2). So, Noah does. But according to this Midrash, when he emerges from the ark and offers sacrifices, he's not simply following orders. Instead, as the Midrash says, "he scrutinized [hitbonen]" the situation. He asks himself why God specified a larger number of pure animals. He reasons that it must be so that he can offer them as sacrifices! And so he does, as we read "He took from each species of pure animal and offered burnt-offerings on the altar" (Genesis 8:20).

The Midrash highlights that Noah didn't just blindly obey; he used his wisdom to understand God's will more deeply. He took initiative. "Give to the wise person, and he will grow wiser," indeed!

Next up: Moses. The Midrash connects him to another verse in Proverbs (21:22): "The wise goes up to the city of the mighty." This is understood to mean Moses ascending to receive Torah from God. He then brings that wisdom down to the people, enriching their lives. He doesn't just passively receive; he actively transmits and enhances the understanding of the Torah for the benefit of Israel. He makes it alive.

But perhaps the most compelling example is Betzalel. Now, Betzalel was the artisan chosen to construct the Mishkan, the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary for God's presence. God instructs Moses to have Betzalel build the Tabernacle. Moses, in turn, relays this instruction to Betzalel.

But Betzalel, as the Midrash tells it, asks a critical question: "What is the purpose of this Tabernacle?" Moses explains that it's for God to dwell amongst them and teach them Torah. Betzalel then raises a crucial point: "Where will the Torah be placed?" Moses responds that they'll build the Ark after the Tabernacle.

Now, here's where Betzalel's wisdom truly shines. He respectfully disagrees! He says, "Our master, Moses, it is not in keeping with the honor due the Torah to do so; rather, we will craft the Ark and the Tabernacle thereafter."

Wow.

Betzalel understands that the Torah, God’s word, is of utmost importance and should be given priority. He’s not just a craftsman; he’s a thinker, a theologian, a man of deep insight. This is why, the Midrash concludes, it was said, "Betzalel crafted the Ark." He understood the deeper meaning and purpose behind the physical construction.

So, what can we learn from these three figures? It's not enough to simply follow instructions. True wisdom lies in understanding the why, in questioning, in seeking deeper meaning, and even in respectfully suggesting improvements, even to divine instructions. It's about taking an active role in our spiritual lives and striving to understand God's will with all our hearts and minds. Perhaps, that is how we, too, can grow wiser.