Wisdom: February 26, 2014

TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2014.

WISDOM

DEFINITION:

Understanding what is true, right or lasting. The ability to make good use of knowledge and forming a sound judgment; discernment; ability to recognize right from wrong.

SCRIPTURE:

Seek wisdom as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures. Proverbs 2:4.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Solomon in about the 10th century before Christ recommended having a serious commitment when pursuing wisdom. In the definition of wisdom that we put above, understanding what is true, right, or lasting, is critical if we want a life that glorifies our Holy God.

In Proverbs 2, Solomon mentions several ways to describe our needed efforts to gain wisdom. He said, “Incline your ear,” “apply your heart,” “cry out,” “lift up your voice,” “seek her,” and “search for her.” If we put the same effort into seeking wisdom as many do in seeking silver and hidden treasures, God will give wisdom to all those who earnestly seek it.

Seeking wisdom takes effort. It is gained through a constant process of growing. Many scholars take years of schooling to get wisdom. Wisdom does not come from schooling or books. In Proverbs 2:6-7, Solomon tells us: “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” True and sound wisdom comes from the Lord.

To gain wisdom we must trust and honor God and realize that the Bible reveals God’s wisdom to us. If we seek wisdom we can do as Solomon did and pray and ask God for wisdom and then obey God’s instruction to us given in His Word. The Bible teaches us to know what is right and what is wrong which enables us to make right choices and avoid moral pitfalls. If we seek God’s wisdom He will give it to us as He has promised. 

Solomon who was the author of most of the sayings recorded in Proverbs was not only worldly wise but also personally insightful but he acknowledged what he needed most was wisdom that comes from God. As Solomon was preparing to ascend to the throne of Israel, God offered him anything he desired. He asked God for a wise and understanding heart to lead the people of God. This request revealed deep personal wisdom but wisdom alone would prove fruitless unless it was permeated by the wisdom of God, which He gave to Solomon in unusual measure.

The book of Proverbs approaches life for us from the position that God has all the answers. He is all-wise and all-knowing. Nothing is hidden from His knowledge. He understands all of the mysteries of life and has every answer to the riddles of life we each face from day to day. Therefore the beginning of wisdom for us is to revere and fear God. (Proverbs 1:7)

We are to remember to seek God with all of our heart because He is the source of all wisdom for our lives. You can acquire much knowledge in life but true wisdom only comes from God.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in I John 1:3.

That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

PRAYER:

Help me to seek Your wisdom with all my heart so that I will not rely on worldly knowledge but on the true wisdom that only You can give.