In an earlier time of life I confused intelligence and
knowledge with wisdom. I thought if I ‘knew enough’ it was enough. Hopefully;
God, time, and experience has brought me greater wisdom! Knowledge is good, but
wisdom gives us the ability to use knowledge, to discern what is best. The Proverbs teach us "Do not forsake
wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom
is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get
understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will
honor you." (Proverbs 4:6-8, NIV)
It is possible to be the smartest person in
the room and live as a fool. Intelligence is a gift. We do not get to choose how
quickly our brain can process information. Our heritage, our early childhood development
and nutrition, how our mother cared for us while we were still in her womb, all
seem to be factors in our brain's but wisdom is gained, developed over time. Regardless
of an IQ of 100 (average) or 150 (genius), we can live wisely.
So how can we become wise?
We begin with the humble acknowledgement that we are not God! The greatest fools are those who deceive themselves into thinking that they can be their own god, living without restraint. The Word says "Only fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.” … The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; he looks to see if there is even one with real understanding, one who seeks for God." (Psalm 14:1-2, NLT) "The fear (awe/respect) of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (Proverbs 1:7, NIV)
Oh yes, there is a natural kind of ‘wisdom’ that can help us 'get ahead' of the pack, gain wealth, hold onto position, and exert our influence. It teaches us to put Self first, to paddle our own canoe, to build our own kingdom. But all that cleverness leds us to build only sand castles that will collapse under the wind and waves of time. The Spirit asks us to consider - "Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" … but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God." (1 Corinthians 1:24, NIV) The true wisdom of God is not temporary, nor is it set aside by the changing times.
God invites us to ask Him for wisdom! "If you need wisdom—if you
want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He
will not resent your asking." (James 1:5, NLT)
Hundreds of times in my lifetime I have come
to the Lord with an open heart and prayed for insight and wisdom. “Father, I feel like a child. The way ahead
is hidden to my eyes. Lead me in Your wisdom.” He did and I know He will! I still seek His wisdom, praying that His
Kingdom will come in my life, His will be done in my world. Ask Him!
If you would be wise choose your companions, not by popularity
or personal charisma, but by character. God says "Whoever walks
with the wise will become wise; whoever walks with fools will suffer
harm." (Proverbs 13:20, NLT) The loud laughter of those who live for today,
who chase momentary pleasure, can tempt a person to join the party, but when
the music stops, and the drinks are put away, what then? The steady discipline
of those who desire wisdom will bring a life that is solid, rich in relationships,
and without regret.
The Psalmist says it
well. "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the
wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his
delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in
season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."
(Psalm 1:1-3, NIV)
Let’s pursue Wisdom, gaining the ability to discern, with insight that allows us to separate truth from error, mere image from reality. The wise know what is true food for the soul and what is just mental junk food. Want to live well? Then, learn to live wisely! It will make your life a thing of beauty!
Here is a word from the Word. "Let those who are
wise understand these things. Let those who are discerning listen carefully.
The paths of the Lord are true and right, and righteous people live by walking
in them." (Hosea 14:9-12, NLT)
(Video of this blog at this link)
_______________
(Let this worship song speak to you today)
Worthy of ev’ry song we could ever sing
Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring
Worthy of ev’ry breath we could ever breathe
We live for You
Jesus the name above ev’ry other name
Jesus the only one who could ever save
Worthy of ev’ry breath we could ever breathe
We live for You
We live for You
Holy there is no one like You
There is none besides You
Open up my eyes in wonder and show me who You are
And fill me with Your heart
And lead me in Your love to those around me
I will build my life upon Your love
It is a firm foundation
I will put my trust in You alone
And I will not be shaken
Brett Younker | Karl Martin | Kirby Elizabeth Kaple | Matt Redman | Pat Barrett
© 2016 Martin, Karl Andrew (Admin. by Arkyard Music Services Limited)
Kaple Music (Admin. by Bethel Music Publishing)
Bethel Music Publishing
CCLI License # 810055
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