WISDOM
“But where shall wisdom be found?
and where is the place of understanding?”
Job 28:12
Wisdom
seems to be a rare commodity in our age.
We have only to look at our governmental leaders to see that there are
very few men and women whose lives exhibit this quality. Sadly, even in our churches we often see less
than wise leadership. We, ourselves, also
often struggle to know what is the right course of action, or, what is the
right stance on an issue.
The
definition of wisdom as used in the Old Testament is skill. It can be skill in war or in
administration. It can mean shrewdness
and prudence in ethical and religious affairs.
There are over 200 verses that use this word. I wish we could have time and room to look at
them all, but as we think about what wisdom is and where it is found, let’s
look at just a few.
Job
poses the question – “Where can wisdom be found?” Solomon gives us the answer – it is found in
the fear of the Lord. This is the place
to start - the only real place to start.
Then, wisdom grows with experience and increased knowledge of the
Creator.
Proverbs
24:3 tells us, “Through wisdom is an
house builded, and by understanding it is established.” So wisdom is a tool that will build and
establish our lives.
Ecclesiastes
7:12 tell us, ”For wisdom is a defence,
and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth
life to them that have it.” Isn’t
that an amazing thought? Skill can keep
us safe, and so can money, but skill gives life. It reminds me of those proverbs that say the
poor man is better off than the rich man!
Wisdom isn’t purchased. It is a
life skill that is free to all.
Isaiah
33:6 says, “And wisdom and knowledge
shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the
LORD is his treasure.” Wisdom gives
stability and strength. A wise man isn’t
easily ruffled by life.
Psalms
90:12 concludes, “So teach us to number
our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
Is
wisdom found in your life? Are you using
it as a tool to establish and defend your home?
Is your life characterized by wisdom that gives you stability and
strength? Are you applying yourself to
increasing in wisdom, or just bumbling through life?
WISDOM
“He
that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall
find good.” Proverbs 19:8
The
definition of wisdom in this verse is different than skill. It means the seat of the emotions, resolution
or determination of the will. It could
read – “if we determine good for our souls, then we are well advised to examine
the depths of our heart, mind and soul and apply them to knowledge and
understanding.”
Such
examination and determined seeking will produce the skill we need for
life. Solomon wrote often about the
value and beauty of wisdom. Since he was
the wisest man who ever lived, maybe we should take heed?
“For wisdom is better than rubies;
and all things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.” Proverbs 8:11
“Wisdom is the principal thing;
therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7
The
most important thing we can gain in life is wisdom. Over and over God encourages us to seek it. There is nothing to compare to the beauty it
gives to life and nothing so secure as wisdom in producing a solid home life,
career, and family.
It
isn’t hard to find this wisdom. It is
found in Christ, in God and His Word. It simply requires that we bring
ourselves into submission and lay aside our own way and conceits.
“In whom are hid all the treasures
of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians
2:3
“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus,
who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and
redemption.” I Corinthians 1:30
So
are you busy applying yourself to wisdom?
Are you searching your heart for foolish motives and self-will? Are you bringing yourself under Christ in
submission to His wisdom? It is the
principal thing – go get it!
WISDOM
“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge
among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of
wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying
and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is
earthly, sensual, devilish. For where
envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first
pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good
fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” James 3:13-17
I
remember when these verses came alive to me.
I was struggling with bitter thoughts and inner anger. I don’t remember the source, but I do
remember the feelings. I kept taking my
bad attitude to the Lord and he directed me from these verses.
May
I paraphrase? God said to me, “You think
you are so smart, huh? Well, if so, then
your actions should show it. Not in assertiveness,
but in meekness – knowing your place. If
you are struggling with bitterness and strife, then there is something wrong in
your heart. You can’t deny it. These thoughts and emotions are not from
me. They are earthly – of this
world. Sensual – of the flesh. And devilish – directed of Satan. That is why you feel so confused and why your
attitude is so rotten.
If
you were working from my wisdom your life would exhibit totally different
qualities. You would have pure thoughts
and motives. You would be at peace and
making peace with others. You would be
gentle in your actions and tone of voice.
People could ask for your help or understanding and know they would be
received graciously, not begrudgingly.
You would be generous and giving to all – no matter if they deserved it
or not. So which kind of wisdom do you
want to rule your life?”
God
knows how to give us a real talking to, huh?
Let’s
add one more thought to this – James 1:5 says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let
him ask of God…” Most people take this
to mean that God will give them power in decisions, but if we take this verse
along with verses 2-4, we will see that this wisdom is not decision-making, but
wisdom to endure temptations and the trying of our faith, and for the creation
of patience in our lives. Wise Christians know that wisdom is a characteristic born
out of adversity. It is developed by the
choices we make. Choose wisely!
WISDOM
“There is no wisdom nor
understanding nor counsel against the LORD.”
Proverbs 21:30
“That your faith should not stand
in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
II Corinthians 2:5
“For the wisdom of this world is
foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own
craftiness.” II Corinthians 3:19
Meditating
on these verses brings such comfort and strength. There is no one, no philosophy, and no
argument that can hold truth except our Lord.
He is the place where we should stand.
Man’s reasoning is flawed
and limited. His understanding is not
complete or all encompassing. Men,
therefore, should undertake to keep all activities under the direction of God.
The truth is that there can
be no success without God. Acting in
opposition to him, in contempt of his commandments, or in contradiction to his
Word cannot prosper. If the Lord is not
on our side, our plans will fail. Psalm
2:1-6 tells us that God sits in heaven laughing at men’s projects against him
and that He will carry out his will in spite of all of their efforts to thwart
his design. Revelation 17:14 tells us
that those who fight against God are preparing shame and ruin for
themselves. He will overcome them!
Since
there can be no success without God, wisdom dictates that we must never act but
in dependence on him. It is a wise man
that knows his place and rests there with confident assurance. It is a fool who tries to get around truth
and strives to live independently of his Creator.
We
all like to think we have some smarts about us, but honestly, we have no smarts
apart from what He has already given us.
He is truth. Why do we think we can take what He has imparted and out
smart him? It can never be done.
WISDOM
“But
wisdom is justified of all her children.”
Luke 7:35
This
world is full of people who are experts.
They want to tell you what to do and convince you of the wisdom of their
opinion. Blackaby comments, “God says
that it is not the one who declares his viewpoint the most loudly or
vociferously who is the wisest, but the one who is vindicated over time. Wisdom is not proven by argument or
debate. Wisdom is proven over time.”
I
have lived long enough to know this is true.
The wisdom of our choices in live isn’t always apparent at the onset,
but over time it is revealed. Not so we
can say, “I told you so”, but so we can rest assured in God’s providence and
blessing. We can see that scarlet thread
of God throughout our life and know that wisdom has been validated or
justified.
The
world laughs as we talk of waiting upon the Lord, or, seeking to do things
God’s way. Both ideas are diametrically
opposed to the philosophy of the world.
Their way is to get all you can get by whatever means is necessary. But the methods of grace, though ridiculed by
some, are the way to the greatest good.
Basing
our live choices upon the Word of God assures us that time will be on our side
and will validate the wisdom of our choices.
So hang in there!
“Be wise now…be instructed…serve the LORD
with fear, and rejoice with trembling…Blessed are all they that put their trust
in him.” Psalm 2:10-12
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