The Way of Wisdom
With April Fools Day tomorrow, I thought it would be appropriate to speak about the way of wisdom instead of the folly of fools.
Life is full of situations where we think we know what to do, only to find out later that we really haven’t clue as to what to do. And so until some light is shed upon our particular situation, we wing it. We desire truth and wisdom to not only figure out what is going on, but how we are to handle the various situations and dilemmas that are a natural part of living right side up in this upside down world.
And so we naturally seek out wisdom, unfortunately though, not from God, but rather from the world around us, which really is short on facts and truths, and long on the double tongue. Instead, however, we need to start seeking God and His wisdom.
And so, what is godly wisdom? How can we recognize it when it comes, and then, how can we get more of it?
Wisdom mainly comes to us in two ways. One is head wisdom or knowledge, while the other is the wisdom we receive from life experiences.
As far as it involves the mind, this wisdom is scholarly in nature. It is the process of learning through books and schooling. This wisdom, however, is great for the professors and philosophers who sit around thinking great thoughts, but unfortunately, it doesn’t get a whole lot of traction in the workplace.
And while there is nothing wrong with this sort of teaching, and learning, it really doesn’t expose us to what happens in real life. This is why I highly valued professors who were able to first live it, and then teach it.
The other definition of wisdom, the one that comes through life experiences, is described as the quality or state of being wise. It is where we get a little more in-depth by being obedient in the carrying out what we have learned through scholarly pursuits.
There is also the type of wisdom that allows us to discern what is right and true from what is wrong and hence evil.
Now, while this is all good to know, let me go one step further and break it down into something we can use right here and now. Wisdom is the ability to accurately assess a situation and then come up with a workable plan to achieve success.
To accomplish this, wisdom comes with several companions who stand with and alongside wisdom. They are knowledge, understanding, discernment, and insight. And so, in a real sense, when we ask God for wisdom concerning a certain decision that must be made, or concerning a certain trial or temptation that we are facing, or to help us understand our spouses, children, and co-workers; what we are asking for is wisdom and it’s four associates.
• Knowledge is to have a working acquaintance with facts, truths, and principles, which will be at a person’s disposal to help them make informed decisions.
• Understanding is to comprehend, to grasp the significance or importance of something, usually through having knowledge of a certain thing. Some say it’s having good old practical common sense.
• Discernment is to perceive or recognize through sense or intellect. It is to show good judgment and understanding based upon ones perceptions of a matter or thing.
• Insight is the process of intuition, which is having a direct perception of truth or fact independent of any reasoning process.
Where do we then find such wisdom and its companions? This was actually Job’s question.
“But where can wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?” (Job 28:12 NKJV)
In this chapter Job looks at how precious metals are found through mining deep within the earth, but wisdom is not so easily found, even though such mining techniques are far from easy. Job says that such wisdom cannot be bought, nor is it found in the land of the living.
But Job is not without the answer. He said, “God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells … The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” (Job 28:23, 28 NIV)
Job realized that wisdom doesn’t just lie around waiting to be picked up, but it, like precious minerals needs to be mine. Wisdom needs to be dug deep for, which means that wisdom isn’t something we naturally have, nor is it received through osmosis. Rather, it needs to be sought through diligent study of God’s word, because only God has the wisdom we need, and so God invites us on a journey towards His wisdom.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV)
That word, “acknowledge” in the Hebrew language means to get to know someone in a real and intimate sense, like the way spouses are to know one another. And so to get godly wisdom we need to get to know God personally and intimately, and when we do, that is when He will give us the wisdom to travel down this path of life, and this journey of faith.
Another invitation to godly wisdom is also found in the book of Proverbs.
“Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses, at the openings of the gates in the city she speaks her words.” (Proverbs 1:20-21 NKJV)
Godly wisdom is a journey we undertake as it calls out to us in the various aspects of our lives, and in every decision we are called upon to make. We are called upon by wisdom to repent of our foolish ways and follow, as it goes on to say,
“How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge. Turn at my rebuke; surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.” (Proverbs 1:22-23 NKJV)
And when we repent and turn, then the Lord will direct our steps and will see us along the pathway of His wisdom, as He pours out upon us the Holy Spirit, who will guide us.
Open your Bibles to Proverbs 2
Further, what we see is that this call by wisdom is open to everyone, not just the select few. And its invitation has nothing to do with age, intelligence, wealth, or prestige. God’s wisdom is not partial; rather it is open to all who will cry out and listen.
“My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly.” (Proverbs 2:1-7)
Solomon, the wisest of all men said that if we want wisdom, we’re going to have to cry out for it and incline our ear to hear what the Lord is saying. Solomon is saying that we need to seek out wisdom as hidden treasure, and mine deep for it as precious metals.
What this is saying is that this journey for God’s wisdom is no pleasure cruise. It isn’t where we meander through the passageways of life hoping to stumble upon some interesting point. Rather, wisdom is a journey that requires both determination and purpose. Further, it involves both initiative and a response.
So where do we begin this journey to find God’s wisdom? Well, it begins with our relationship with God and understanding who He is.
Now, while we already saw this in Job’s statement about wisdom, Solomon gives us the same answer.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10 NKJV)
Fear of the Lord here in this passage and in Job is a holy fear, that is, that it is a fear that holds respect and reverence for God. This sort of fear is right and good; as king David knew saying that it is pure and endures forever (Psalm 19:9).
It is a fear that enables us to respect God’s authority, obey His commandments, and turn away from foolishness and evil. This is what is at the heart of godly wisdom.
It is such a fear of the Lord that will then stop us short of saying something foolish or something that we’ll regret later. It is such wisdom that will direct our course in life taking us in the direction of God to fulfill His Kingdom purposes, which will actually turn out to be our own.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)
Ways of Wisdom
What are the ways of wisdom that God has given that enables us to fear Him in a right way where our lives will change and we will trust in Him more than in ourselves, and where He will set our feet upon the straight and narrow path. ?
1. God’s Roadmap – The Bible
The Bible is God’s roadmap for our journey.
Now, this isn’t like MapQuest where we input our coordinates and out pops a set of directions. In this life we can’t just enter our point of departure and our destination and get detailed instructions on how to get there. Because when we get right down to it, there are the inevitables of life that put up roadblocks and detours.
These inevitables involve sicknesses, job layoffs or firings, marriage, divorce, children and the changes that come afterwards, and the list just goes on. Inevitables are those things that we have no control over, neither do we choose them, but they still happen. It’s the stuff that just happens in life and there’s nothing we can do to change it.
But God has given us a road map that will successfully take us, not only through this life, but show us how to enter into heaven once this life is over. But, way too often we approach the Bible like MapQuest. Instead of careful study, we open it up and put our finger on a verse and see what God has for us.
But this doesn’t work that well. One person tried this technique and his finger landed on Matthew 27:5 that says that Judas went out and hanged himself. Not wanting such a fate, he then opened the Bible again and his finger landed on Luke 10:37 where Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.”
But God has given us His word, and since it is His word we should take the time necessary and carefully search out His treasure and His ways. I love what some have called the Bible, and that is, God’s love letter to us. And that’s because it reflects God’s heart, and the stories and teachings that are contained within it reveal God’s heart towards us, and what God values.
And so if we want to grow in God’s wisdom we need to get into the Bible so that the Bible, God’s roadmap, can get into us. And the goal is to be transformed through the renewing of our minds, as Paul said in Ephesians 4:23. When this happens we’ll be less conformed to the world, and more transformed into the likeness of Jesus Christ, that is, we’ll be more like Him and less like our own bad selves.
And so, if you’ve come this morning with the expressed purpose of getting a quick answer as to how to get from point A to point B, then you’re going to leave disappointed, because to study God’s word takes time and diligence, but the end result is that when decision times comes, we’ll be equipped to give everyone, including ourselves, an answer of the hope that lies within.
How profitable are the Scriptures?
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV)
In other words, the Bible it is useful, beneficial, and advantageous for our lives in teaching what is true, reproving what isn’t, along with correcting and instructing us on how to get and stay right with God.
When we thoroughly immerse ourselves in God’s word, when those times of decision come and we must choose, the Holy Spirit will bring God’s word that we have hidden deep within our hearts to the forefront so we can make good and godly choices, so we don’t go in the wrong direction, or off a cliff, and sin.
This leads me to another way God leads us into His wisdom and that his through His personal guide.
2. God’s Personal Guide – The Holy Spirit
“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever -- the Spirit of truth … when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 14:16-17a; 16:13a)
When we come into that saving relationship with Jesus Christ, accepting Him as our Savior and Lord, Jesus gives to us the Holy Spirit, which He describes as a definite advantage to the believer.
Jesus said, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you” (John 16:7).
When this happens the Holy Spirit helps us in our overall understanding of God’s word.
He guides us through the twists and turns of the inevitables. He helps us discern right from wrong, and to live our lives under the power of God. And when we’re unsure about what or how we are to pray, it is the Holy Spirit who intercedes for us with groanings deep within that we cannot understand, but our heavenly Father understands it perfectly (Romans 8:26).
It was through such time in God’s word that both Michaela and I heard God speak through His word, and that ended up guiding us to Mesquite.
3. Our Traveling Companions – Wise Counselors
“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20 NKJV)
Solomon goes on and says for us to listen to wise counsel so that we can be wise.
“Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.” (Proverbs 19:20 NKJV)
What God is saying is that this is a life long journey, and wisdom doesn’t come immediately, but through years of righteous counsel and instruction. This is accomplished not only through God’s word, and the Holy Spirit, but also through men and women that God places in our lives, those who are wise and have gone through the fires.
And so, another way of wisdom is to be eager to hear God’s voice through those He places in our lives who can teach and counsel in accordance to His word, or as we are again told in Proverbs, “Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established.” (Proverbs 15:22 NKJV)
Now, while the Bible, the Holy Spirit, and Wise Counselors, are the traditional sources of wisdom, they are not the only sources. In other words, we need to expect wisdom through unexpected places and means.
“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise.” (Proverbs 6:6 NKJV)
How can ants instruct us in the ways of wisdom? Well, God reveals that while they have no overseer or ruler, they still know instinctively to provide in the times given to them by God, so that in times of want, they will always have enough.
Nature is a good teacher. A way that has always spoken volumes to me is when I have to go out and pull weeds, although if I can get away with Roundup, that’s the road I’ll take. But weeds need to be pulled all the way down to their roots; otherwise they’ll grow back. This has always spoken to me of my need to pull up the weeds, or sin, in my life down to their roots so that have nothing to hold onto and end up overcoming my spirit the way weeds overcome a yard.
Books are another way that we can get wisdom. Now, these should never take the place of the Bible, but a good book can speak volumes into our lives, like when I read “Lord Change Me,” by Evelyn Christiansen years ago. I still use her advice today in my counselings and teachings; they were words that came directly from God’s word and were powerful.
We need the wisdom of God so that when the storms of life come, we will have established our faith upon the rock of Jesus Christ. In this way we’ll not be blown away.
It is only the wisdom that comes from God that will enable us to weather the storms of this life.
Let’s allow these words of wisdom to end our time together.
“Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV)
And then there’s the wisdom of King David who asked of God,
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12 NKJV)
In other words, we only have so much time, so let’s use our time wisely and get God’s wisdom to know how we are to live our lives in this sin-filled and sin-diseased world.
