Wisdom

Even as a young man there was one simple thing that I asked of the Lord – that He  would give me wisdom. To this day, I don’t fully understand why I felt that was so important even then other than to believe it was a desire that He put within me. Like Paul said in Phillippians 3:12,

“ Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
While I by no means have gained all the knowledge and wisdom I can, i grateful acknowledge that I believe He has blessed me with some, and I continue to press in to gain more and more.

For it is James that wrote:

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

I still lack, so I still ask!

So as I have said, I am not where I want to be yet, but I would like to share a little of what I believe Wisdom is and what it looks like in day to day application in our lives.

So, to start, what is Wisdom?
According to Dictionary.com, wisdom is
“the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity, discernment, or insight.”

Biblical Wisdom “ is a God-given and God-centered discernment regarding the practical issues in life.”

So what does that mean when we consider them together?

Wisdom is a God-given quality that allows one to discern what is true and right as it pertains to the practical issues of life. Ìt is not just understanding and knowing what to do but doing it.

Back to the scriptures –

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.  ‭Proverbs 1:7

Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor. ‭Proverbs 15:33

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

Based on these verses, where does wisdom come from? Simple answer – God. More specifically,  the fear and reverence of Him “is the beginning of wisdom.” When we Lack wisdom and are seeking it, all we have to do is ask Him for it.

Now that we know what wisdom is and from whence it comes, what does it look like?
Let’s look at couple more passage to answer that question.

But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile]. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace [by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals].‭.   James 3:17-18 AMP‬

‬Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. [6] Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.    ‭Colossians 4:5-6

I will let the verses speak for themselves by simply pulling out the key words out.

• Pure [morally and spiritually undefiled],
• Peace-loving [courteous, considerate],
• Gentle,
• Reasonable [and willing to listen],
• Full of compassion
• Bearing good fruits.
• Unwavering,
• Without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile].
• Spiritually mature
• Peaceable
• Encouraging peace and Good will among others.
• Quick to listen and slow to speak
• Full of grace
• Selective and careful in what and how one speaks to others.

Just for curiosity let’s compare his with the “Fruit of the Spirit.”

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. ‭Galatians 5:22-23

While the characteristic may not be labeled exactly the same, overall it sounds like these two go hand and in hand. 

So, my friends if you find yourself, as I do myself, lacking in any these attributes,  I encourage you to press into His presence and humbly, but confidently ask that He increase your wisdom. For without it, we are not fully able to have the fullest impact on this hurting world in which we live.

Father,

We honor and praise you and recognize you as the all-knowing who is not only full of truth, but is The Truth. We acknowledge that we, in our own are fools and without hope of becoming wise. But, according to your Word,

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously,” we humbly yet boldly ask. “Give us the wisdom we lack and teach and guide us to use it appropriately for the good of Your Kingdom.

We thank you because we know we pray according to word believing we will have what we ask.

For all this we pray in the name above all names, our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, 

AMEN.