GODLY WISDOM
What is wisdom? Wisdom is more than mere knowledge. Knowledge is about truths, facts and figures. Knowledge is the foundation of truth. However, when a person has knowledge alone, that is not good enough. He must also have the understanding. Understanding is the ability to comprehend the knowledge at hand. When you have all the facts and truths, without understanding them, these will be meaningless. It is only when you have the ability to understand deep things, then you are an intelligent person.
Wisdom is more than just having knowledge or having understanding. The Book of Proverbs often describes a wise person as one who is skilled in living a godly and righteous life. He is one who has the truth (knowledge), and is able to discern the truth (understanding) and skilfully applies it in his living (wisdom).
Godly wisdom must first begin with the fear of the Lord: (Prov. 9:10). The fear of the Lord refers to the belief in God – of His being and His truth. This is the first step to godly wisdom. God is the One who gives wisdom (Prov. 2:6-7). The source of all truth and wisdom is God Himself. God asks us to seek His wisdom: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Prov. 4:7).
This wisdom has got to do with the skill of living. When Solomon took over the throne from his father David, he did all that which was pleasing unto the eyes of the Lord. He went to the Tabernacle of God and offered a thousand burnt offerings. That night the Lord appeared unto Solomon and gave him a wish (2Chron. 1:7-12). Solomon could have asked God for anything, but instead, he asked God for only one thing – to be equipped with wisdom and knowledge. Why? So that he could rule God’s people wisely. God was pleased with Solomon’s request and granted him with wisdom. And top of that, God also granted Solomon what he did not ask for – riches, wealth, and honour. Hence, we must seek godly wisdom in all our manner of living. The apostle James reminds us with these words: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (Jas. 1:5).
If we lack wisdom, we are called to ask of God. And what will happen? James says that God will give to us liberally and upbraideth not. This means that God will not scold for us for such a request. Instead, He will be glad that we seek wisdom from Him. When we are filled with godly wisdom, we will be skilful in living. The wisdom of a man will be seen in the manner of his living.
On the other hand, there is worldly wisdom. Worldly wisdom stands in contrast to godly wisdom. Worldly wisdom feeds on earthly things, our senses and egos. The product of it is envying and strife (Jas. 3:14-16). Worldly wisdom is sensual and devilish because it appeals to the flesh (lust) and egos. Lucifer fell from heaven and became the devil because of his ego (Isa. 14:12-15). Devilish wisdom emphasizes in exalting the ego and pride; and making ourselves as the centre of all things.
In contrast, godly wisdom centres of exalting God. Godly wisdom seeks to bring out the fruit of the spirit in us. It does not think ill of others. It is pure, peaceable, gentle, filled with mercy and good fruits (Jas. 3:176). It is impartial and non-hypocritical. Godly wisdom helps us to conform ourselves to the image of Christ. The more we obey the Word of God, the more we will be filled with godly wisdom. Godly wisdom does not operate outside of the Word of God because the source of such wisdom is from God Himself.
Godly wisdom will draw us to place our trust and confidence in God. God is infinitely wise. He knows the beginning and the end of all things. We cannot by our own human wisdom comprehend God’s wisdom, because human wisdom is limited (Isa. 55:8-9). God’s wisdom is fathomless. His decisions are unsearchable, and His methods are mysterious. No one can ever thoroughly understand His mind, let alone advises Him on the proper course of action. What God requires of us is not merely the knowledge of His wisdom. Instead, God wants us to learn to trust in Him and His goodness unto us (Prov. 3:4-5). Many times, we lack godly wisdom, especially when our lives are struck with adversities. Most of the time, we could hardly see the good that comes out of our adversity when we are in the midst of it (Rom. 8:28). Let this be clear – God is not done with our lives yet. He is still working in us. He wants us to learn to trust Him. Godly wisdom is about trusting God, and living out that trust in God in every day of our lives. Do you trust God in what He is doing in your life? HCL.
