Photo by Gift Habeshaw via Unsplash
I don’t consider myself to be particularly wise. But I do have great wisdom.
If that statement seems self-contradictory, it’s really not. You see, I know very well that I don’t have any extraordinary wisdom in myself. But I have access to a treasure trove of wisdom that is far beyond the “common sense” with which most people try to cope with life.
For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6 NIV)
There it is! The only real wisdom I have is what I’m given by the very Source of all wisdom.
What is wisdom?
Here’s my definition of godly wisdom:
Wisdom is the combination of knowledge, understanding, and skill required to get God’s desired results in my life.
In other words, it is skill for living.
It’s the ability to make the right choices and do the right thing at the right time and in the right way to achieve God-ordained goals in my life. When it comes to living a spiritually and practically productive life, the importance of having and applying godly wisdom can’t be overstated.
Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. 8 Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. (Proverbs 4:7-8 NIV)
Wisdom is as Wisdom Does!
To be wise is not just to learn the precepts taught in God’s word – it is to apply them appropriately and consistently in your life. That’s what “Esteem her, and she will exalt you” is all about. For most of us it’s not so much lack of knowledge but the gap between knowledge and practice that so often trips us up!
I learn the precepts of wisdom as I study the Word of God.
I become wise as I put those precepts to work in my life.
It’s not enough to learn what the Scripture teaches about wisdom. I must follow through by taking definite steps to be sure I am actually applying God’s wisdom, and not just my own thoughts and feelings, as I face the issues of my daily life.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
Over and over Scripture urges me to give heed, pay attention, keep the wisdom I am learning ever before my eyes and in my thoughts. One way to do that is to focus on one particular precept of wisdom every day and keep it repeatedly before my eyes throughout the day.
Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. (Proverbs 4:26 NKJV)
That’s it! Ponder my path. Everything I do – all my plans for the day – prayerfully think them through in light of the wisdom principles I learn as I study God’s Word. That’s exalting wisdom in my life. It’s when I consistently put into practice what the Word of God teaches me that His wisdom can promote me and bring me honor.
Am I Really a Wise Person?
I’m not sure I’d want to put that proposition to a vote among people who know me!
The only degree of wisdom I will claim for myself is that I am wise enough to know that without the wisdom that comes only from God, I’m not wise at all!
In fact, to neglect the wisdom that springs from the mouth of God in Scripture, and try to find my own way through life based on my own good common sense, is to be not wise but extremely foolish.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. (Proverbs 14:12 NIV)
So, whatever issues I may face in life, the wise thing to do is to open the pages of God’s word, find out what He has to say about the subject, and then prayerfully put those principles into action. That’s real wisdom!
