Wisdom

The word wisdom carries with it a number of meanings, but it seems to me that many of them miss the mark. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary states that wisdom “implies sense and judgment far above average.” It uses insight, common sense, knowledge and judgment in defining the word. We see a focus on worldly wisdom which is more concerned with pleasing oneself. These characteristics may result from education, getting ahead in this world (rat race), or other externalities.
None of this addresses Godly wisdom. This type of wisdom comes from God only and seeks to honor Him. I John 2:15-16 reads “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world” (NASB) The author here is contrasting the things of God with earthly values and not settling for the lesser. Love of the world and love of God are incompatible – we cannot have both.

The Bible has much to say about wisdom, and Proverbs makes many references to wisdom. But our starting point must be James 1:5 “But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all” (NASB). To get wisdom we must pray for it and God will grant our prayers. He gives it to all generously and graciously. Obviously, our prayer must be sincere and with the right motives, not just one more trophy to place on our shelf of accomplishments.

One sign we don’t have Godly wisdom is if we brag about how wise we are. Proverbs 16:16 indicates our focus “How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver” (NASB). I recall a discussion with another professing Christian. In our group discussion, he commented that pride was not a problem for him. He was always boasting about his accomplishments. In my judgment, he was one of the most prideful men I knew. His “wisdom” was apparently not Godly.

How will we recognize Godly wisdom in our lives and in the lives of others? There are at least six characteristics we can observe in a person possessing Godly Wisdom. Let’s examine these characteristics.

1. It starts with a fear of the Lord. Proverbs 1:7 tells us “ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction” (NASB). The Amplified Bible describes fear of the Lord as reverent, worshipful, and regarding God as awesome. Fools are regarded as closed-minded, over-confident, and unteachable. I recall a high school basketball player who had a great deal of talent. The town was excited when he committed to play for the local college team. However, he did not excel in college. It was apparent that he was uncoachable. Godly speaking he lacked wisdom.
2. God gives wisdom to those with whom He is pleased. Ecclesiastes 2:26 reads “For to a person who is good in His sight, He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy.” Not only does he give wisdom – knowledge and joy are included! Note that not all obtain wisdom as they do not ask God for it in sincerity. We please God when we walk in the Spirit.
3. The Christian with wisdom will love life. Proverbs 19:8 reads “One who gets wisdom loves his own soul” (NASB). If a person loves his soul, he will also be someone who loves life. Someone with Godly wisdom will radiate it by their love.
4. Proverbs 19:20 reads “Listen to advice and accept discipline, so that you may be wise the rest of your days.” (NASB) Listening to advice can be difficult. Notice that it does not say accept the advice. We should listen and evaluate the advice being given. One part of wisdom is knowing when to follow advice and when to reject it.
   Accepting discipline can be difficult but it can lead to improvements in our life. I remember when I started writing for an academic publisher, I was assigned an editor. Having never worked with an editor, I was somewhat resentful at first. After working with her, I realized that her suggestions were improving my writing and the finished product. The wise man accepts advice and discipline.
5. The wise man or woman will be full of grace. Colossians 4:5-6 tells us to “Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person” (NASB). Two things in these verses jump out at me. First, we are to make the most of the opportunity. An opportunity has been described as a flower. It blossoms in beauty, but quickly fades. We are to make good use of the time we have been given. Don’t waste our time on sinful things of the world. When we act in this fashion, we will be filled with God’s grace. People will see God in us as we conduct ourselves with grace. Grace has been described as undeserved favor. God has bestowed grace on us, it is imperative that we serve as a conduit for grace. A graceful person will seek to build others up in gentleness and respect.
6. Finally, if we have God’s wisdom, that will be a sign of our righteousness. Psalm 37:30 tells us “The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. People will see God in us. That, to me, is the crowning achievement. If by my words and actions, people see God in me, then I will probably someday hear the words from God “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23 goes on to tell us that we will share the joy of the Master.

The thing about wisdom is that you never “arrive.” You can always advance along the “wisdom scale.” Stop for a moment and consider where you are on that scale. But not just where you are on that scale, but in which direction you are going. Grace is an essential part of God’s character. How well do you reflect God’s grace in your life?