The Ultimate Source of Wisdom

We all want wisdom and knowledge, but do we know where to find it? Are we seeking worldly wisdom or godly wisdom? What are we doing with all the knowledge that is available to us?

In First Kings, we meet the next in line for the throne, David and Bathsheba's son, Solomon. In I Kings 3:9, Solomon asks God for wisdom and a discerning heart so that he could govern the people of Israel successfully. God was pleased with his request and grants him wisdom, along with great riches and honor.

So how do we gain wisdom? As we go through life, we discover there are many ways to gain widsom, such as: 1) Writing down and reflecting on what we've learned through our experiences. 2) Gleaning knowledge from others. "By pride comes nothing but strife, but with the well-advised is wisdom" (Proverbs 13:10). 3) Thinking outside the box. It's ok to try doing things a new way. 4) Not rushing to closure. Growth is always a work-in progress. Creativity is untidy and unnerving. The ability to stay focused and faith-filled in the midst of change is a mark of wisdom and maturity.

But the ultimate source of wisdom is God! A young executive told his secretary he had an important meeting and didn't want to be interrupted. But his boss needed to see him and and walked in. When he found the young man on his knees praying, he withdrew quietly and asked the secretary, "Is this usual?" "Yes," she replied, "he does it every morning." "No wonder I come to him for advice! " said the boss.

Do others look to you for godly wisdom and advice? God is inviting us, just as He did Solomon, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you (I Kings 3:5). If you need wisdom, talk to God: "For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6). "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally...." (James 1:5). What does godly wisdom look like? James 3:17 describes "The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peacable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy." Does this describe what others see in you?

One of my favorite verses in all the Bible is Psalm 32:8 - "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go, I will guide you/watch over you." God is ready to instruct and teach us. To give us godly wisdom that we can in turn share with others who are hurting and seeking encouragement. Have you gone to the ultimate source today?

Blog Question: Let's see how many verses we can find with the words wisdom and/or wise.