Give me wisdom Lord!

Where there is no fear of the Lord, there can never be any true wisdom. It’s just not possible.

Wisdom is not simply knowledge or understanding or even discernment. Wisdom goes much deeper than these. For example, you can know how to use a computer without understanding how it works. Even if you understand the workings of a computer you need discernment to know what the best uses for it are. Wisdom is even deeper. For wisdom you need all of the above along with insight and good moral judgement to know how to use it in the best and most moral way and to act accordingly so that choices are beneficial and productive.

Godly wisdom goes further still. 

John Piper says: ‘Godly wisdom is knowing the greatest goal in any situation and the best way to achieve it’

Bill Gothard says: ‘Wisdom is seeing life from God’s point of view. It is getting an inside view of how things really are.’

When God asked Solomon what he wanted Him to do for him, Solomon asked for wisdom. God was pleased with this request. He gave him wisdom and so much more

1 Kings 3:12-13

……Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. 13 I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honour.”

Proverbs has many references to wisdom.

Proverbs 4:7 

‘Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom’

Proverbs 1:20-22 

‘Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple?’

To me the one that stands out is this;

Proverbs 9:10

‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.’

That’s where wisdom begins. Where there is no fear of the Lord, there can never be any true wisdom. It’s just not possible.

In James 3:14-16 he says that earthly wisdom is no good at all but then in verses 17-18 he says;

‘But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.’

He breaks down the definition of wisdom into seven qualities.

1. Godly wisdom is pure. Matthew 5:8 says that the pure in heart are blessed and they will see God. If we have a heart that is pure, we will see God! If we don’t have a heart that is pure, we will see all sorts of things that are not of God.

2. Godly wisdom is peace loving. If we have God’s wisdom, we will love peace and have hearts full of healing and reconciliation. Proverbs 14:30 says: ‘A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.’ I have known a few Christians over the years, who exude peace as soon as they walk into a room and make you want to give a sigh of relief and relax when you are with them. I want to be like that. Let us get rid of any bitterness, malice or animosity and live with peace in our hearts.

3. Godly wisdom is considerate. Apparently, the Greek word for this has the meanings of gentleness, non- aggressive or non-argumentative as well as considerate all in one word.  The Lord constantly shows us consideration that we don’t deserve. How much more should we?

4. Godly wisdom is submissive. Earthly wisdom often tends to be arrogant but Godly wisdom listens to the arguments of others in a calm way. Godly wisdom wants to learn from others, learn the truth and shows kindness to people who may think differently.

5. Godly wisdom is full of mercy and good fruit. Often worldly wisdom wants vengeance but Godly wisdom is full of mercy followed by action. James has put these two qualities together as one because there is no point having mercy without that turning into acts of kindness and compassion.

6. Godly wisdom is impartial. It appears that the Greek word for this means holding firm to the same standard, not showing prejudice or favouritism. Godly wisdom does not change its stance on the truth for different audiences.

7. Godly wisdom is sincere. Godly wisdom is not hypocritical. With Godly wisdom, what you see is what you get. 

                   

So how do we get this wisdom? Well, like Solomon, if we eagerly desire wisdom all we have to do is ask. The bible tells us that wisdom is a divine gift that is granted by God whenever a believer asks him. This is clear in James.

James 1:5 says, ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.’

Some people may ask why wisdom is so necessary.  Its importance is obvious, which is indicated by the numerous references to it in the bible. Well at this present time, I would say it has never been more important. We are facing unprecedented decisions and uncertainties in the present and for the future and the only way to get them right, is to ask for God’s wisdom to make the choices that are pleasing to Him and to glorify His name.

Let’s get asking!!

Author: Thelma Cameron 

May God bless and enrich your life

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