Wisdom. We use the word often. We apply it to others, Sometimes we even claim to have it ourselves. But what exactly is wisdom? How do we get it? How do we know when we have it? What are we to do with it? Let’s see if we can shed some ‘wisdom’ on this subject!
The importance of wisdom. “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!” – Proverbs 16:16 Wisdom is an important asset to have.
The definition of wisdom. Wisdom can be hard to define, but we all know what foolishness is. Wisdom is the opposite of being foolish. The word wisdom appears 154 times in the Old Testament and 54 times in the New Testament—it must be important. Wisdom is simply looking at something the way God would look at it. In the Bible He reveals His values, priorities and basic principles of life. Wisdom is taking these things and applying them to a given situation the same way God himself would apply them. The Bible clearly differentiates between the wisdom of God revealed in the Bible and the world’s ‘wisdom.’ ” For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness.’ The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” – 1 Corinthians 3:19-20
The source of wisdom. “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.” Proverbs 9:10. “Fear” here has a meaning similar to our word “respect.” It has nothing to do with dread or terror but instead refers to a having a high opinion, a deep recognition of the object or person. In this case it is God. It means we are to recognize the Lord for who He is—having a continual awareness of Him, an abiding reverence for Him, and a heartfelt desire to live in His will. If we do this, then we will begin to see things from God’s perspective and act accordingly—the beginning of godly wisdom. On the other hand, we will recognize fools by those who choose otherwise: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” -Proverbs 1:7
The difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge has to do with facts, content of information. Wisdom takes that data and accurately applies it to a given situation. Computers have much knowledge but no wisdom. Our culture today puts a high importance on getting an education, but falls far behind when it comes to the wisdom needed to apply that information. We are often highly educated, but make poor choices in life and live in defeat and unhappiness.
The application of wisdom. Godly wisdom often goes directly against our natural inclinations to take care of ourselves. There is even an oft-quoted verse incorrectly attributed to the Bible – “the Lord helps those who help themselves.” No! The Lord helps those who love Him and help others. Godly wisdom is not focused on self and self-preservation – but rather, is focused on serving the kingdom of God. We are called to “carry our cross” – in other words, crucify our flesh and live according to the wisdom of the Spirit. Clearly, these teachings are completely contrary to common thinking. “Follow your heart.” “Be true to yourself.” “Your happiness is all that matters.” “Live your own truth.” All fallacies – and none supported by godly wisdom.
The way to attain wisdom. None of us are born wise. It is something we have to attain, first by knowing God’s world view as laid out in the Bible and then by learning how to apply it to daily life circumstances. God’s Word gives us wisdom on how to be wise:
- Seek God with all your heart. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13
- Put your trust in Jesus only. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” – Colossians 3:16
- Read and study the Bible daily. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” – Proverbs 2:6
- Ask God for wisdom, He promises to give it. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
- Pray often. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6
- Learn to listen to God speaking to you. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
- Seek guidance from godly people you trust. “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” – Proverbs 11:14
- Be humble, not proud. “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” – Proverbs 3:7 Pride and wisdom cannot both dwell in the same person.
- Love God with your whole heart. “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” – Matthew 22:37
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life and by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” – James 3:13-17
Think of examples of how you’ve grown in wisdom through the last few years.
Are there areas where you still need wisdom? Ask God for it.
MORE FROM SOUTH AMERICA: Our friend in South America is having opportunities to minister in various countries. His previous email told about his trip to Peru. This time he went to Argentina. “Pastor M. invited me again to go and help them again. There will be a 5-day Summer Training. He wants me to teach the pastors and leaders of the place. Most of them do not have a seminary.
- Please I ask you to pray for us.
- For the car that I have to travel I don’t trust it very much because it has been breaking down a lot so far this year.
- For the health of my wife because of her osteoarthritis in her knees.
- For more invitations to share the word and teachings.
- For this trip for the cost of the tickets and the movement if God allows me to go help these people.
In several emails I sent you photos of the events where I was sharing teachings in these past months. Please pray.
We continue as a church helping people on the street with non-perishable food. Help with the purchase of medicines and various clothes. God bless you in everything, We continue praying for you. With love in Christ.” Pastor J. O.
Christian couple first to get prison sentence for conversion law | https://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-couple-first-to-get-prison-sentence-for-conversion-law.html
cto Rev. Dr. JERRY SCHMOYER
Christian Training Organization
Jerry@ChristianTrainingOrganization.org
(India Outreach, Spiritual Warfare, Family Ministries, Counseling, World View)
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