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Wisdom

Job 12:13 NIV To God belongs wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.

There is more information in the world today than ever before. Computers can transmit data in a millisecond to any part of the globe. More facts have been discovered in this century than in all the other centuries of history combined. So why have we not solved so many of mankind’s darkest issues?

Sadly, many who are considered wise in this world have rejected the wisdom of God. The troubles and problems of mankind have always stemmed from following the wisdom of man rather than the wisdom of God. Job 12:13 makes this clear: true wisdom comes only from the Lord. Many have decided that wisdom and understanding are something you purchase with tuition and class fees, rather than a daily, lifelong discipline of seeking God. But this worldly wisdom is entirely self-centered, focused only on pleasing oneself, and unfortunately, we see the impact of this wisdom every day.

No discussion of God’s wisdom is possible without including King Solomon, whom God proclaimed as the wisest man to ever live (1 Kings 3:12). Solomon was the second-born child of King David and his wife, Bathsheba. His entire life, Solomon had watched his father reign as King of Israel and witnessed both the good and the bad. God appeared to Solomon in a dream, stating, “Ask me for whatever you want.” Solomon asked for “an understanding heart to govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong.” (1 Kings 5-10). This response pleased God, and he blessed Solomon not only with wisdom but also with wealth and honor. Proverbs 8:32–36 sums it all up beautifully. Wisdom herself speaks and says, "And now, my sons, listen to me: happy are those who keep my ways — happy is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting beside my doors. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord, but he who misses me injures himself." So how does someone obtain and grow in God’s wisdom?

First, we are to desire wisdom with all our might. "Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you for your embrace" (Proverbs 4:8). To prize something and to embrace someone are signs of intense desire and love. Wisdom must be valuable for us. We must be willing to sell all to buy it: "Seek it like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasure" (Proverbs 2:4).

Second, wisdom is found in the Word of God. We must apply ourselves to read, study, and meditate to know the Word. "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." (Psalm 19:7). We must devote ourselves to knowing and understanding the testimonies of the Lord.

The third thing we should do to get wisdom is pray. Solomon was not born a wise man. He prayed for wisdom. Daniel admitted that in himself he had no wisdom (Daniel 2:30), but he said, "I give thanks and praise to God, for He has given me wisdom and strength.” Paul prayed that the churches might be given "spiritual wisdom" (Colossians 1:9) and that they might have "a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of God" (Ephesians 1:17). And finally, James puts it as clearly as we could wish: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God" (James 1:5).

Proverbs 8:11 NIV, “Wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” This wisdom leads to true and lasting happiness; it is not natural but supernatural. It is a gift of God and worthy of our full attention. What are you desiring above all else?

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Gary and Sandy Anthony


James 3:13-17 NLT If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 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.

Proverbs 2:6-8 GNT It is the Lord who gives wisdom; from him comes knowledge and understanding. He provides help and protection for those who are righteous and honest. He protects those who treat others fairly, and guards those who are devoted to him.

Proverbs 16:16 NLT How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!

Proverbs 4:6-8 NLT Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you.

Proverbs 8:10-11 NLT Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it.

James 1:5 NIV If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Exodus 31:2-3 NLT I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts.

1 Corinthians 2:6-7 NLT Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began.

Luke 21:13-15 TPT And because you follow me, you will be on trial before kings and governmental leaders as an opportunity to testify to them in my name. Yet determine in your hearts not to prepare for your own defense. Simply speak with the words of wisdom that I will give you that moment, and none of your persecutors will be able to withstand the grace and wisdom that comes from your mouths.

Isaiah 11:2 NIV The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him (Jesus the Messiah)— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord.

1 Corinthians 1:27-30 NIV But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

 
 
 

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