Tag Archives: Wisdom

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Getting to Know Wisdom

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Job thinks about the source of wisdom. Where does wisdom originate? In Job’s day, much had already been discovered. Mining was commonplace, and mankind had discovered ways pull minerals from under the earth. Rivers had been explored and hidden treasures brought to light. New discoveries were being made, but no one had fully discovered all wisdom.

In chapter 28, Job comments true wisdom is found in God. He is the source of wisdom Notice the last few verses of the chapter.

23 God understands the way to it
    and he alone knows where it dwells,
24 for he views the ends of the earth
    and sees everything under the heavens.
25 When he established the force of the wind
    and measured out the waters,
26 when he made a decree for the rain
    and a path for the thunderstorm,
27 then he looked at wisdom and appraised it;
    he confirmed it and tested it.
28 And he said to the human race,
    “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom,
    and to shun evil is understanding.”

While many advances in knowledge have been made since Job’s day, the source of wisdom is still the same. True wisdom is still found in the Lord, and the source for us is the Bible.

  • Psalm 119:105 teaches the Bible is a light to our path.
  • Hebrews 4:12 says, “12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

The Bible presents wisdom on all topics; society, relationships, family, marriage, finances, and everything else is found within its pages. The Bible is alive and active, and God uses his word to help us gain wisdom. Take some time to get to know wisdom by reading through the Bible.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

The Wisest Conclusion

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The conclusion of the wisest man.

The Bible records Solomon was the wisest man to ever live. Upon his request, Solomon was granted wisdom. God granted Solomon wisdom like no other.

1 Kings 4:29-34 says, “God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore. In fact, his wisdom exceeded that of all the wise men of the east and the wise men of Egypt. He was wiser than anyone else…. His fame spread throughout all the surrounding nations. He composed some 3,000 proverbs, and wrote 1,005 psalms. He could speak with authority about all kinds of plants from the great Cedar of Lebanon to the tiny Hyssop that grows from cracks in a wall. He could also speak about animals: birds, small creatures, and fish. And kings from every nation sent their ambassadors to listen to the wisdom of Solomon.”

Solomon also had wealth, and he did not lack in provisions.

With his vast wisdom and provisions, Solomon examined the aspects of life. He looked at every path life could take. He tried to find fulfillment in partying and working hard. He tried to find fulfillment in himself and his wealth. He came to the conclusion everything was meaningless unless he pursued the Lord first and foremost.

Solomon writes his final conclusion at the end of Ecclesiastes. In 12:13, Solomon writes, “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty. God will judge us for everything we do, including every secret thin whether good or bad.”

Take a moment to reflect on your priorities. How well do they align with Solomon’s conclusion?

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

True Wisdom is Life’s Foundation

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Justice, goodness, and trustworthiness are found in true wisdom. David was nearing the end of his life, and he placed Solomon on the throne to be Israel’s next king. His final charge to Solomon was to observe all of the Lord’s commands. It is in this observance, according to David, success is found. This observance gives us the opportunity to find true wisdom. Psalm 111:10 says, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.” In saying this, Psalm 111 reflects on all the Lord has done. • Verse 4 says the Lord is gracious and merciful. • Verse 5 reminds us the Lord provides for our needs. • Verse 6 recalls the Lord’s power in meeting our needs. • Verse 9 reminds us of the ransom the Lord has paid for us. “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many,” Jesus says in Mark 10. • Verse 9 also tells us the Lord has guaranteed his covenant with us. Verses 7-8 say, “All he has done is just and good, and all his commandments are trustworthy. They are forever true, to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.” True wisdom is the foundation on which our lives should be built. As we build on this foundation, we can be secure of its justice, goodness, and trustworthiness. Take a moment today to reflect on how the Lord has proven himself. Not only historically, but also in your life. How has the Lord’s justice, goodness, and trustworthiness showed up in your life?

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

What is true wisdom?

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True wisdom is the foundation for success.

There is an ancient Indian legend of a king who loved Chess. He challenged visitors to a game, and he was usually victorious. One day a traveling sage visited the kingdom and was challenged to a game. To entice him to play, the king offered to gave the sage whatever reward he asked if he won. When the king was defeated, to honor his word, the king asked the sage what prize he would like. The sage asked for one grain of rice to place on the first square of the Chessboard, and then, that it be doubled on each following square.

The request seemed modest, and the king asked for a bag of rice to be brought. It soon became apparent the terms of the request were impossible to meet. By the 21st square, more than 1 million grains would be required; by the 31st square, the total would go over 1 billion, with more than half the Chessboard still left to go.

Small things have a big impact when they are added together. It is important that we seek God’s wisdom for every decision we make regardless of how small it seems to us. When we add to our wisdom and understanding, it grows stronger and stronger.

Getting God’s wisdom.

James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

The Bible records Solomon being able to ask for whatever he wanted, and he asked for wisdom to lead Israel. The Lord was so impressed by Solomon’s request that he granted it as well as all the others things he could have requested. Wisdom was the foundation for Solomon’s success. It is also the foundation for our success.

Wisdom is the foundation for success.

Ecclesiastes concludes wisdom is the foundation to everything else. Solomon writes in 12:13, “That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: fear God and obey his commands. For this is everyone’s duty.”

Wisdom has a good look.

James 3:13 says, “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.” Wisdom is humble.

James 3:17 says, “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure.

According to the IVP New Testament Commentary Series, “James is deliberate to state a foremost characteristic of the wisdom from above. It is first of all pure, and only then the other qualities. His term speaks of holiness and provides the immediate contrast to every evil practice. The first and foremost reason for valuing wisdom is that it will lead people to do what is morally right. Today’s popular relativism makes it all the more pressing Christians do what is right.”

Verses 17-18 go on, “It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”

Is true wisdom from above our guiding force? Are we allowing wisdom to guide our decisions? Will we do what is wise?

As we move forward in our lives, these are good questions to ask ourselves.