I need wisdom! Wisdom is the ability to discern and apply truth in a constructive way and I need it. I need wisdom for marriage, parenting, friendships, and work. And I need wisdom concerning God’s Word, fighting sin, sharing Christ and getting through this pandemic.
No matter our age, experiences or knowledge level we all need wisdom. Even in the things we know best or better than others. If you think your wisdom tank is full, then you are not wise. You are arrogant, need to be humbled, and will be humbled (Matt. 23:12). We need wisdom.
So, the question is, “Where do we find wisdom.” Some immediately look to experience. But it is not the ultimate source. A person can have all the experiences they want and never grow in wisdom. In fact, experience can propagate foolishness. Because of a negative experience a person can cultivate unrighteous anger against God and others. Because of a positive experience a person can cultivate pride. Due to a limited perspective, a human can be deceived by experience and shamelessly promote error. Experience CAN be a venue for wisdom, but it is NOT the ultimate source.
Some look to people (this includes news outlets, scientist, scholars, spiritual leaders, and family) and this is a valid source of wisdom. But it is not the ultimate source. Why? Because like you, others are limited. Time, space, matter and sin limit them. People CAN be a venue for wisdom, but they are NOT the ultimate source.
Others look for wisdom within their own heart. They say things like, “Follow your heart,” “Do what feels right,” “Follow your dreams,” or “Make your own destiny.” This is dangerous. Why? Because our heart is deceptive and impulsive. Can our heart be a source of wisdom? Yes. But it is NOT the ultimate source.
So, what is the ultimate source of wisdom? It is God. Job 12:13 says, “With Him are wisdom and might; To Him belong counsel and understanding.” Psalm 147:5 says, “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.” Isaiah 40:28 says, “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never becomes faint or weary; there is no limit to his understanding.”
How do we tap the wisdom of God! First, you must become a friend of God. Isn’t everybody. No. If you do not believe in Jesus as your Lord and Savior who paid for all your sin on the cross and physically rose from the dead, then you are an enemy of God. You are currently rejecting His Son and thus rejecting Him and will pay for your rebellion with eternal judgement (1 John 2:23, John 3:16-17). To become a friend of God you must believe in Jesus as you Lord and Savior who paid for you sin on the cross so that you could be forgiven of all your sin, receive eternal life and become a friend of God.
Then as a friend of God you can access God’s wisdom multiple ways. First, you can access God’s wisdom through prayer. James 1:5 says, “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Second, you can read and obey His Word. Psalms 119:130 says, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” Third, we can access God’s wisdom through other believers whom God has filled with His wisdom. Proverbs 13:20 “Whoever walks with the wise (the wise always refer to those who trust in God in Proverbs) becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.”
Today, be encouraged! Wisdom is attainable. Through trust in Jesus, look to God and you will find it.
Posted in Be Encouraged