We have been looking at the resources available to us as children of God, and it is important for us to know that our heavenly Father wants us to enjoy all He has provided for our growth and sustainability in this world. He desires not only for you to be a prayerful Christian but also for you to be the head wherever He has placed you, according to 2 Peter 1:3. Therefore, avail yourself of all He has graciously provided for your profiting.
Today, let us look at Wisdom.
According to the dictionary, wisdom is the ability to make sound judgments and decisions by applying accumulated knowledge, insight, and experience. It further states that wisdom goes beyond merely having facts; it is the practical skill of understanding what is true, good, or right, and using that understanding to navigate complex situations and act accordingly.
This is a very good explanation of what wisdom is, and I love the fact that it bases its premise on an important point, the ability to make sound judgments and decisions. But how do you measure this ability? You cannot do this if you do not have all the facts at your disposal. And what exactly is sound judgment?
As it is often said, “One man’s meat is another man’s poison.” The Bible clearly says, “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 16:25). So how do you determine what is truly right?
Many have been destroyed by the decisions they made based on what they believed to be the right information. Many have had their lives cut short because they believed they were following people who claimed to know the right path to follow. Many have found themselves in irreversible situations simply because they followed a path they believed to be right.
But our Father is so mindful of us that He has put in place the resources we need to operate in wisdom.
My beloved, there is worldly wisdom, and there is godly wisdom.
The word translated as wisdom in the Bible goes beyond having knowledge or intelligence. It refers to a deep understanding and the practical skill of living in a way that honors God.
Hebrew – Chokmah: carries the idea of moral skill in living, insight, and practical expertise.
Greek – Sophia: encompasses intelligence, profound insight, and the practical application of knowledge.
Know that it is possible for you to have knowledge yet lack the practical application of that knowledge.
Let us look into the Scriptures to gain an understanding of godly wisdom and the wisdom of this world.
Wisdom is described as the principal thing, meaning it is essential for daily living and survival.
Wisdom builds. It builds lives, homes, and nations (Proverbs 9:1; Proverbs 14:1; Proverbs 24:3). The opposite of wisdom is folly or foolishness, and you know that folly destroys.
Wisdom gives life. It makes a man’s face shine. It gives you confidence (Ecclesiastes 7:12; Ecclesiastes 8:1).
The wisdom of this world cannot stand before God. It is nothing but foolishness to Him (1 Corinthians 1:19–24; 1 Corinthians 3:19).
The wisdom of God enables righteous judgment.
The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom and exercises sound judgment (Psalm 37:30).
The wisdom of God is mysterious. You have to ask Him for it (James 1:5). It is a Spirit, and God will give it to you if you desire it. However, every gift of God is given for a purpose, to establish His counsel on earth as it is in heaven.
If you remain faithful to Him, He will willingly give you wisdom because His desire is for you to prosper in every area of your life. Consider the example of King Solomon.
Now, how do you differentiate between the wisdom of God and the wisdom of this world?
James 3:17–18 gives us the characteristics of godly wisdom:
1. It is pure.
2. It is peaceable.
3. It is gentle.
4. It is easy to be entreated, willing to listen and open to earnest appeal.
5. It is full of mercy and good fruits.
6. It is without partiality.
7. It is without hypocrisy.
This is clearly different from worldly wisdom, which is practical, human-centered knowledge and street smarts derived from secular experience. It prioritizes self-interest, material success, and social status.
My brethren, Proverbs 4:7 says:
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
Be blessed.