There is a reason wisdom is associated with those who have seen a lot of life – either in years or through trials. Wisdom is acquired. You cannot buy, borrow, or steal it. Traditionally it is earned through gaining knowledge and experiencing life. Wisdom gives us the ability to make good judgments and decisions thereby improving well-being. What constitutes “good” and “improving” is up to one’s worldview, though. Wisdom left to the individual can be arbitrary, partial, and ever-changing. But the wisdom of God is true, pure, and absolute. This is the wisdom we must seek and lean-on. It does not need to be earned; however, it comes at the cost of letting go of our own understanding and trusting God’s.
How many of us presume to know the “right way” and “what’s best” without seeking God’s perspective and will? It’s true that time spent with Him and in His Word weaves His wisdom through our own, shifting our worldview closer to His, but identifying and taking hold of divine wisdom still requires surrendering our own. This is why King Solomon wrote, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6). In fact, Solomon authored the entire Book of Proverbs about wisdom, often personifying wisdom as a woman to pursue passionately. Whether he was passing along wisdom to his son or he intended it for a broader audience, we do not know, but we have much to gain from his advice:
- My son, if you will receive my words, and treasure my commandments within you, make your ear attentive to wisdom. Incline your heart to understanding… For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:1-2,6).
- Do not abandon her, and she will guard you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom, and with all your possessions, acquire understanding. Prize her, and she will exalt you. She will honor you if you embrace her (Proverbs 4:6-8).
- For wisdom is better than jewels, and all desirable things cannot compare with her (Proverbs 8:11).
Nothing the world has to offer can compare to gaining God’s wisdom. If we are to mature in our faith and character, we need to apply more of God’s mind in our daily living. We can gain God’s wisdom by seeking Him through prayer, listening to the Holy Spirit within us, studying and meditating on His word, and seeking godly counsel from Christian friends who regularly seek God’s wisdom in their own lives. Even observing people who have historically made wise decisions can guide you to properly analyze issues. Difficult decisions will be made more easily if we seek God’s perspective and understanding before our own.
Through wisdom we gain direction, discretion, and caution – from the One who knows all, sees all, and loves us dearly. “‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts’” (Isaiah 55:8-9). Many blessings come from wisdom, but ultimately the most significant benefit we gain from seeking God’s wisdom is the opportunity to know Him more.
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 3:13-26
Personal Application: What is your first response when you have a problem? How earnestly do you seek God’s direction? When you face difficulties, tough decisions, delicate circumstances, and even what may seem like benign choices, practice seeking God’s wisdom. James wrote, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Take time this week to know God’s mind and heart.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5