Finding wisdom

 

Have you ever done anything you regretted later? Perhaps, something really dumb and you felt you should have known better?

That’s not an easy question for us to deal with, is it? It’s tough to admit mistakes and I expect we’ve all made decisions and later wished we had chosen a different action.

So, how do we avoid making poor decisions?

Our parents, caregivers, teachers, friends, and family all provide us with knowledge that helps us think and reason when it’s time to make an important decision. Hopefully, we also learn from past mistakes and don’t often repeat poor decisions. Life can be a good teacher, if we are wise enough to observe, listen, and learn from each experience we encounter.

There’s the rub–are we learning wisdom?

What is wisdom, anyway?

Webster defines wisdom as:

knowledge and the capacity to make use of it; judgment”

 

The Old Testament portion of our Christian Bible provides a great deal of insight into the origin of knowledge and wisdom:

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

For the Lord God gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair–every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Proverbs 2:6-10

 

 

According to The Lexham Bible Dictionary (logos.com), Biblical wisdom, as defined by Old Testament writers, refers to practical skills associated with understanding and living a successful life. We can identify with that, can’t we? We want a successful life and the necessary skills by which to accomplish that goal. Do you agree that we typically get our life skills from family, school, work and our other experiences?

But, there is also a wealth of wisdom in our New Testament and it centers on Jesus Christ.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever–the Spirit of truth.” John 14:16-17

True wisdom belongs to God and can only be given by him alone. True wisdom is seen in the ministry of Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Dictionary of Bible Themes, logos.com).

But to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:24

It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30

How do we act when we have developed wisdom?

We are “good” people and treat others with kindness, compassion, and mercy.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. James 3:13

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17

We listen, think, seek advice from those with wisdom before we act.

Where there is no revelation, people cast off all restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction. Proverbs 29:18

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise. Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:20-21

We put our trust in Jesus, the author of wisdom and truth.

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law?  Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 1 Corinthians 1:18-21

One component of wisdom is knowledge. I hope that we will always strive to keep learning. The challenge of ongoing learning keeps our brain sharp. And, our continual growth in our relationship with our Lord through Bible study, prayer,worship, and fellowship with believers will strengthen our spiritual wisdom.

 

With knowledge comes the responsibility to use that information responsibly, ethically, and wisely.

Jesus is always there to be our guide.

Wishing you blessings, my friend.