Wisdom, it’s something all of us could do with more of. A simple definition of wisdom is the “application of knowledge, and the capacity to correctly apply knowledge acquired through life’s experiences”.
Often people assume that the older you get the wiser you are. But that is not necessarily so. We are only wise to the degree that we have learned to rightly apply our knowledge in life.
God has a high regard for wisdom. Proverbs 4:3-9 says, “Sell everything and buy Wisdom! Forage for Understanding! Don’t forget one word! Don’t deviate an inch! Never walk away from Wisdom—she guards your life; love her—she keeps her eye on you.
Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom! Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!
Throw your arms around her—believe me, you won’t regret it; never let her go—she’ll make your life glorious.
She’ll garland your life with grace, she’ll festoon your days with beauty.” Dear friend, take my advice; it will add years to your life”
God instructs us to put effort into becoming wiser tomorrow than we are today. That means it is an ongoing continual process, and is not only found in the gaining of a formal education, but also the daily, lifelong process of growth.
I recently had a conversation with a friend about finances. We discussed it’s not that we should be trying to figure out how to earn more money, instead we are to ask God for wisdom everyday. Through wisdom we will gain knowledge and understanding, resulting in knowing what and when to act, and how to prosper. That principle applies to every area of our life. Imagine if we sought after wisdom as the “principle thing” everyday? The very wisdom of heaven would be downloaded to us.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him”. (James 1:5)
God wants us to live fulfilled joyful lives, and for most of us that is what we desire. He knows it will take walking in wisdom to attain this and He even says, Grow a wise heart—you’ll do yourself a favour; keep a clear head—you’ll find a good life.(Proverbs 19:8)
“Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gets understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13)
The gaining of wisdom is the way into a hope filled future, and the key to lasting happiness is found in wisdom.
As Proverbs 16:16 puts it, “To get wisdom is better than gold; to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”
So how do we get wisdom? Firstly desire wisdom with all your might.
“If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you” (Proverbs 4:8). To prize, means it must be valuable to us.
Not everyone wants wisdom; they don’t prize or value being wise at all, mostly because they want to follow their emotions, or plead ignorance when their foolish behaviour catches up to them.
Other people can be motivated by their circumstances rather than logic and wisdom. Many times we can be act foolishly when actually we know better. We can choose to ignore wisdom. Often people are not lacking information, but they are lacking motivation and determination to follow wisdom.
Value wisdom and ask God for it, that all your ways will be filled with hope, and the years of your life will be many.
Prayer: Lord help me to prize wisdom and the understanding that comes from you. That I may gain a heart of wisdom, and discover the key to both long life and lasting happiness. In Jesus Name. Amen.