Our daily prayers ought to include some petition for wisdom. Oh, how my life would have been filled with much less pain and suffering for myself and my family, if I had used a portion of wisdom that God has already granted to each of us.
Decisions need to be based on Godly wisdom, not on feelings, emotions or on what we 'think' is the right thing to do.
There are several keys to gaining wisdom –– prayer and reading God's Word are essential.
In the Biblical sense, wisdom is the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding.
The Wisdom teachings of the Bible follow from the two great themes of the Ten Commandments and the Greatest Commandments of Jesus : reverence to God our Creator, and respect for all persons, everywhere.
A set of commandments or rules can give us important examples of wisdom, but they are only examples. No set of rules can cover all situations, and it is up to us to generalize the commandments to all cases.
Wisdom means always acting according to the spirit of the Commandments and understanding the consequences of our actions and words before we act or speak. Wisdom means having the knowledge and understanding to recognize the right course of action and then having the will and courage to follow it.
Look at James 3:13-18 (NIV) to understand the blessings that follow wisdom.
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
Look all through the Proverbs for other example of Godly wisdom. Solomon, believed to be the wisest man who ever lived, is the author of the Proverbs.
Following the ways of wisdom helps bring us in harmony with God because these ways are in accordance with His will, as revealed in the Bible, and are pleasing to Him.
Wisdom also brings us in harmony with ourselves, giving us a sense of self-worth and inner peace. This inner peace is achieved because we are acting in accordance with our consciences and avoiding the shame and guilt of following our instincts.
Be wise and follow the advice from King Solomon in Proverbs 4:5-7, which reads:
“Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
Be blessed.
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