What is wisdom? Where do we get true wisdom?
How does wisdom differ from knowledge?
We live in an age today where almost everyone on the planet is packing around mini-computers everywhere they go. We can surf the world-wide-web for any tidbit of information or answer to a question in mere seconds.
Yet, I believe there has never been a time when collectively as humans have lacked wisdom more so than we do today.
Why is that?
Pick a subject…. any subject…. and look for a definitive answer to your question… and it seems you will get a myriad of answers ranging from one end of the spectrum to the complete polar opposite and even some in the middle on the topic all stating that their words are the truth on the matter. Many today even push the idea that you can make your own truth and that your truth on the subject may differ as much as night and day than my truth on the subject.
But, in reality, this cannot be! Facts are FACTS! The truth is the TRUTH, and there is no middle ground or variations of it, as many today would have you believe.
I believe many today get so frustrated in these things they simply give up seeking the truth and believe or do just do whatever they want or what feels good to them. But is this how God would have us live our lives? Wishy-washy, fence-straddlers, tossed to and fro by the slightest whim or disinformation put out by the media, our friends and even family members – led astray but whatever lies the world throws out at us today?
So, let’s define knowledge and wisdom and see if we can ascertain the difference between the two.
Knowledge can be defined as the accumulation of information, learned through education or experience.
Wisdom is a broader term encompassing the ability of person to think, act or discern what is best, right, true and enduring. It is the application of common sense, knowledge and experience, at the right time, place, manner and situation so as to follow the best possible course of action. It develops the ability to judge and make beneficial and productive decisions in life.
Having knowledge is only a small part of having wisdom.
The word ‘wisdom’ is found in scripture as many as 234 times (depending on which translation you search), so it is not a subject only lightly spoken of in God’s word to us. I believe he wants us to be wise to live our best lives while here on earth – for His glory, to help and serve others as well as live our most fulfilled lives.
So, for the purpose of this discussion, I searched for verses in scripture for how we attain wisdom – from where is TRUE WISDOM derived?
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! Romans 11:33
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. Proverbs 9:10-12
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111:10
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
I think we can safely come to the conclusion that true wisdom comes from our heavenly Father and He is most certainly happy to give it to us if we earnestly seek it out and ask him for it. Makes sense as He is the ultimate authority on wisdom as well as knowledge of all things since He created our world, the universe and everything from the largest galaxy down to the most minute particles in living cells. I dare you to try to find a source with more knowledge and wisdom! 😊
So, when I am searching for information, knowledge and most of all TRUTH and WISDOM on any subject – my first source will always be to see what God has to say about it in His word. Sometimes He may not have a direct word on a particular subject, but we can usually ascertain His will or thoughts on most any subject by closely studying His word. For instance, the term ‘abortion’ is not found in scripture, but we can safely assume God’s thoughts on this subject since he told us in the 10 Commandments – “Though shalt not kill”. If it is a subject for which no scripture basis can be found to make a decision, praying for God to give us wisdom on the issue should be our next course of action, and as our loving heavenly Father, He is most certainly willing to give it to us when we ask.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
A few years ago, when our family was going through a very difficult time, my husband was lying awake in the middle of the night praying and he asked God for wisdom. As soon as he prayed the word ‘wisdom’, God interrupted Him and he had a full-fledged encounter with God in our bedroom that night in which the Lord revealed many things to him. Our loving Heavenly Father is pleased when we ask for wisdom and He is happy to give it to us when we sincerely seek and ask.
I am a firm believer we need to seek out God’s true wisdom for almost every aspect of our lives today. Scripture reveals to us that our adversary satan prowls and stalks us like a lion seeking to devour, steal, kill and destroy us, so we had better be wise in all our decisions and actions, lest we fall prey to his cunning schemes, and I can tell you for certain, he is using them in all areas of our lives today because I witness it daily!
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10
I, for one, will ALWAYS choose God’s wisdom over anything man has to say on any subject! If what man is saying and promoting does not line up with the truth revealed to us in the scriptures or our Heavenly Father’s design at creation – I want NOTHING to do with it!
Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? …. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:20 & 25
If we seek God, His kingdom, His Will, His truth, His righteousness above all things, He will take care of the rest!
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
May you always walk in His truth,
Shawn
