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.
7 comments:
"And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom;And to depart from evil is understanding.'" Job 28:28
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, Reprove a wise man and he will love you. Proverbs 9:8
My thoughts are that
wisdom is so much different than what comes to mind. Its humble and its willing to be humbled.
Job 12:13
But [only] with [God] are [perfect] wisdom and might; He [alone] has [true] counsel and understanding.
Amplified Bible
I like this verse because it stresses Godly wisdom.
Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom.
1 King's 10:8
There are 222 verses regarding Wisdom.
Proverbs 9:10 (King James Version) 10The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
I Kings 3:28
When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice.
1 Kings 2:9 NIV
But now, do not consider him innocent. You are a man of wisdom; you will know what to do to him. Bring his gray head down to the grave in blood."
Proverbs 17:24 NIV
A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
Deuteronomy 1:13 NIV
Choose some wise, understanding and respected men from each of your tribes, and I will set them over you."
Ecclesiastes 7:5 NIV
It is better to heed a wise man's rebuke than to listen to the song of fools.
""Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are his riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his methods." Romans 11:33 (The Book)
"If you need wisdom - if you want to know what God wants you do to - ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking." James 1:5 (The Book)
"But wisdom is shown to be right by what results from it." Matthew 11:19b (The Book)
Help me Lord to seek wisdom, first and foremost, in Your Word.
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