Proverbs 1:20-33 is a great test on why we need wisdom in our life and what happens when we reject her. I think there are two indicators of a wiseguy or wisegal from this passage. Lovers of wisdom seem to embrace correction and seek counsel.
Most people are not open to correction. It may be that they cannot bear the thought of being wrong or making a mistake. But I have found that the wisest people that I know are always looking to improve. They embrace the correction of a trusted friend. It's never fun, but is always highly profitable.
Seeking counsel is a wise thing. Correction comes after the mistake has been made. Some of us have an affinity for learning the hard way. But the wise man or woman understands that you can get ahead of the game by pursuing advice beforehand. How much pain and regret could be erased from my life if I would have sought godly wisdom.
Counsel and correction are not the only indicators of wisdom, but our desire for them does say a lot about the direction of our life.
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I have been gnawing on this one for a little while. It just rings so true and so clear. So not to take away from the Wisom of Solomon or from Chris' great post I have added my thoughts on this issue.
What is wisdom?
There are various definitions of wisdom. Webster defines it as “the ability to make right use of knowledge.” One prominent theological dictionary defines wisdom as “prudent, considered, experienced, and competent action to master the various problems of life…” So, we see that there is an aspect of knowledge in wisdom. But it goes beyond that. Wisdom involves the practical use of that knowledge to deal with life’s issues.
My definition of wisdom is this: Wisdom is the convergence of knowledge and skill which enables a person to make right choices that honor God.
True wisdom, according to Scripture, begins with God. Proverbs 1:7 tells us that the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” From a biblical perspective, if a person does not know God who created all things, revealed truth, and established absolute values, then one cannot be wise. How could a person make right choices without knowing God and His truth? So, wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. That is, the reverent relationship of knowing God.
We gain a clear perspective on wisdom by looking at its opposite – foolishness. In Proverbs 1:7, we learn that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs tells us that fools hate knowledge. The fool is the person whose choices contradict God’s truth. The fool ignores God’s value system. The fool makes poor choices.
Now that we have an idea what wisdom is all about, let’s look at what New Testament James says regarding wisdom.
I. Life creates a demand for wisdom.
There are going to be times when we do not know exactly what choice to make or how to think about
a given situation. We are in a state of lacking wisdom. This shortage of wisdom could be highlighted by many
different problems.
• Financial problems
• Family problems
• Relationship problems
• Work problems
• We don’t always have a clear handle on every intersection we come to in life.
This very important to understand. If you do not face up to your lack of wisdom, you will never ask for it. It is the arrogant person who thinks they never need counsel. It is the foolish person who refuses to admit his/her need for wisdom.
Has life created a demand for wisdom in your heart today? Do you face a situation you cannot figure out? Don’t know which way to turn or what to do or think? Great! Now you are ready for step two.
II. God supplies wisdom to those who ask.
If you lack wisdom ask God. Why? God is the source of wisdom. Remember Proverbs? Wisdom is a divine gift. You don’t get it by living a long life or experiencing many different things. You get it from God. Rather than frantically trying to figure everything out
by ourselves or getting our answers from Oprah, we need to go directly to the source – GOD.
God will give you wisdom.
He will give it generously. God is not stingy with this gift. He knows how badly you and I need it. The word James uses means “without reserve.” He will give it without finding fault. The word means without reproach or insult. God will not insult you
and make you feel an inch tall for coming and asking Him for wisdom.
Remember God’s attitude toward gift giving. Jesus explained it in Matt. 7:9-11. He pointed out that a good parent never insults the child who comes asking for bread by giving him a stone. He doesn’t give him a snake if he asks for fish. So, if you, who are evil, can give good gifts to your kids when they ask, how much more will God give us good gifts when we ask Him?
Do you need some wisdom? Ask. Ask. Ask. God will not make fun of you. He will not insult you. He wants to give.
Chris...THANKS FOR THE GOOD WORD....IT WAS INSPIRING...ALSO THANKS FOR "KEEPING ON KEEPING ON"
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