Being Wise
Oh, that they were wise and could understand this! Oh, that they might know their fate! Dt. 32:29 NLT
The pinnacle focus of this blog is to show you how much God cherishes you. We began seeing that in the Garden of Eden and unfortunately, how our progenitors messed that up, (see What God Had in Mind and (A Devilish Indoctrination). Yes, the fall of humankind was devastating; but God’s love for them / us, never wavered. He immediately commenced His salvation path, that took shape over thousands of years.
We have also seen how so many people rejected God and took the dark road. In addition, we have clarified how damaging the world’s ways have taken their toll upon every aspect of our lives.
Recently, (see Right and Wrong Relationships, and Right and Wrong Relationships – part 2, and part 3), we have looked at Jehovah’s guidelines for getting out of the world’s clutches and from the collateral damage it produces when we walk that path.
That is all well and good. However, if we don’t become conscious of the unconscious character flaws that we have taken on, we will keep falling back into the cycle of ‘rinse and repeat.’
It’s all about being wise. So, let us ask ourselves, ‘What is wisdom?’ The word is translated from the Hebrew chakam, meaning ‘intelligent, skillful, artful, and cunning.’ From the Greek saphes, it is translated as ‘to be clear.’ Also, English dictionaries define wisdom as ‘the quality of having experience, knowledge and good judgment.’
Thus, wisdom is a (good) character trait that you learn from having experienced what life has to teach you, as well as being able to process these lessons and to astutely apply the beneficial elements, with a mind and heart that is clear from misconceptions.
One who listens to life-giving rebukes will be at home among the wise. Pr. 15:31 CSB
When King David was near death, he turned the kingdom of Israel over to his son, now King Solomon. In addition, he passed on some wisdom of his own:
“As for me, I am going the way of all of the earth. Be strong and be a man, and keep your obligation to the LORD your God to walk in his ways and to keep his statues, commands, ordinances, and decrees. This is written in the law of Moses, so that you will have success in everything you do and wherever you turn…” 1 Kin. 2:2, 3. CSB
King David had also been inspired by Jehovah to draw up plans for a grand temple in Jerusalem and directed him to have Solomon build it. After his father’s death, King Solomon assumed rule, and God was pleased:
Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the LORD his God was with him and made him exceedingly great. 2 Chr. 1:1 NKJV
God then came to Solomon in a dream and asked him how He could gift him. He would have given Solomon anything that he wanted, as long as it aligned with His will. Yet, the only thing that King Solomon asked for, was wisdom, so that he might better rule the children of God. His request was granted, and them some:
“Since this was in your heart, and you have not requested riches, wealth, or glory, or for the life of those who hate you, and you have not even requested long life, but you have requested for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may judge my people over whom I made you king, wisdom and knowledge are given to you. I will also give you riches, wealth and glory, unlike what was given to the kings who went before you, or will be given to those after you.” 2 Chr. 1:11, 12. CSB
Just how wise was Solomon? Jehovah tells us that he was the wisest man to ever live (1 Kin. 3:12), and that the whole world would seek him out for that divine wisdom (1 Kin. 10:24).
King Solomon recorded much of the wisdom that he received, in the book of Proverbs.
He begins by speaking of the necessity of gaining that wisdom:
Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance… Pr. 1:2 – 5. NLT
So, we find wisdom by studying God’s word:
…be wise, and direct your heart in the way [of the LORD]. Pr. 23:19 AMP
…those who seek the LORD understand all things. Pr. 28:5 NASB
It makes sense, right? When we read the word, the Holy Spirit provides revelation:
…there is a spirit within people, the breath of the Almighty within them, that makes them intelligent. Job 32: NLT
Jehovah wants the best for everyone. We need wisdom for that to happen; and He asks us to go to Him to get it:
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Jas 1:5, 6. NLT
So, we need faith, just as we do for all things that we ask of God. We also need to be in right-standing with Him, in order to receive our wisdom:
He stores up success for the upright; he is a shield for those who live in integrity so that he may guard the paths of justice and protect the way of his faithful followers. Then you will understand righteousness, justice and integrity – every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will delight you. Discretion will watch over you, and understanding will guard you. It will rescue you from the way of evil… Pr. 2:7 – 12. CSB
Wisdom then, when applied, grants us the potential for having a great life with our Creator. But what happens if your spurn it?
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Hos. 4:6 NKJV
Why? Because human knowledge cannot compare with godly wisdom:
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God. 1 Cor. 3:19 NLT
There is no [human] wisdom or understanding or council [that can prevail] against the LORD. Pr. 21:30 AMP
Wisdom from God is decidedly different:
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. Jas. 3:17 NLT
Lastly, when you use all that wisdom, wrap it up in love, and don’t let it go to your head:
“Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom…But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the LORD who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth… Jer. 9:23, 24. NLT
Be wise. Next time, we will look at how to apply our divinely gained wisdom…
Goodnight and God bless.