The Way Of Wisdom

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)