Wisdom

1. The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight.

2. Common sense; good judgment

3.a. The sum of learning.

4. A wise outlook, plan, or course of action.

5. the ability or result of an ability to think and act utilizing knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight.

1. The Need for wisdom

Proverbs 4:6-8 (ESV)

⁶Do not forsake her (wisdom), and she will keep you;
love her, and she will guard you.
⁷The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
and whatever you get, get insight.
⁸Prize her highly, and she will exalt you;
she will honor you if you embrace her.

I Love this verse, it makes me laugh. Here is my Jody paraphrase

“You want to know what wisdom is? Here it is, You need wisdom and you better get some! How is that for a direct and blunt verse!

You need to value it, prize it, and pay whatever is necessary in order to obtain it.”

The acquisition of wisdom begins with the understanding and acknowledgement that I don’t have it and I need it!

2. The Source for Wisdom

James 3:13-18

¹³Are there any among you who are really wise and understanding? Then you should show your wisdom by living right. You should do what is good with humility. A wise person does not boast.

¹⁴If you are selfish and have bitter jealousy in your hearts, you have no reason to boast. Your boasting is a lie that hides the truth.

¹⁵That kind of “wisdom” does not come from God. That “wisdom” comes from the world. It is not spiritual. It is from the devil.

¹⁶Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there will be confusion and every kind of evil. ¹⁷But the wisdom that comes from God is like this: First, it is pure. It is also peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. This wisdom is always ready to help people who have trouble and to do good for others. This wisdom is always fair and honest.

¹⁸People who work for peace in a peaceful way get the blessings that come from right living.

Rule #1, When seeking wisdom as it relates to life and eternity, ‘”Source” is everything!

The wisdom that matters, liberates, and empowers is not earthly, it is spiritual. Man’s wisdom is faulty, and prone to change based on circumstances and emotion. The wisdom of the world says do what is best for you, what feels good, what gives instant gratification. Man’s wisdom denies the validity of faith in the existence of something greater than himself while at the same time demanding faith in itself. The wisdom of man is at its core selfish, leaving others in a wake of shattered dreams and broken hearts. The wisdom of man does not liberate or empower, it shackles and oppresses.

The guiding principle of a man seeking wisdom from within himself is in essence “I am god, I will decide what is right, true, and just.” This presents a problem because if every man adopts this line of reasoning and wisdom, the word would be filled with billions of self-seeking gods, all attempting to co-exist in harmony with others, who live with not only opposing views and goals, but violently conflicting ones.

Wisdom demands a source for its existence. Can created, corrupted men claim to be the author and creator of wisdom? We can not look to ourselves or within ourselves, or to fellow-man for wisdom. If you need wisdom and do not have wisdom, it stands to reason you’re not going to be able to sit in the middle of a dark room & meditate wisdom into existence from the depths of your soul.

3. Wisdom requires Grace:

With grace wisdom can liberate, without grace it shackles.

1 Corinthians 1:18
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

Wisdom is not always easy, nor is it always fun. Sometimes wisdom illuminates my heart and energizes my spirit but there are other days when it requires sacrifice. Restraint, suffering, and sacrifice can be a frequent companions in our search for wisdom.

While the acquisition of wisdom and it’s application in my life might involve some blood, sweat, and tears, its fruit is liberating and well worth the sacrifice. When I am in a situation where I need God’s wisdom to overcome a sin, endure a trial, or even offer encourage a struggling sister, I find it helpful to ask for God’s grace so I will willingly and obediently receive his wisdom, before I actually ask for the wisdom.

Without God’s grace wisdom is foolishness, light is darkness, and weakness flaunts itself as strength.

Are you seeking and searching for wisdom? How is your life spent daily? Do you spend your hours, energy, and affections seeking her and searching for her?

Is your heart burdened by a friend, loved one, or co-worker who lives in darkness, shackled by the foolishness of the world. Pray for Grace. Pray that God would open their eyes to the light of the gospel of Truth! Grace clears the way for wisdom and truth!

Seek her, search for her, cling to her and do not let her go!