Wisdom

by L.A. Hickling | Category: General | Jul 1990

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom (Prov. 4:7) In our lives as Christians in the world we certainly need wisdom; not the wisdom of this world, for "the world through its wisdom knew not God" (1 Cor. 1:21), but the wisdom that comes from above. We need the wisdom that is associated with godly fear, for "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Prov. 9:10)

The apostle Paul said that he spoke "not in words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth" (1 Cor. 2:13). He did so to ensure that the faith of those to whom he spoke "should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (1 Cor. 2:5). We need the wisdom which is from above for the living out of our lives and for the testimony of our lips.

We all feel a lack of that much needed wisdom, but find encouragement in the words of James:

But if any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting; for he that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed (Jas. 1:5,6).

Do we lack wisdom? Then we must ask - ask of God, for He is the giver of wisdom. And we need not be afraid to come often with our requests, for we are assured that He will not reproach us, and that He will give liberally. But notice the conditions attached to the asking: we must ask in faith, nothing doubting; we must ask sincerely, expecting to receive the wisdom for which we are asking. We must be willing to act on whatever direction is given. We must not be double minded, asking for wisdom and then doubting whether we should act upon it. A man who does that is like the waves of the sea, tossing to and fro, and he disqualifies himself from receiving the divine blessing.

The wisdom that comes from above stands in contrast to earthly wisdom as it shows itself in a man's life. James lists its characteristics:

It is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance, without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for them that make peace (Jas. 3:17,18).

This wisdom is first pure. It produces in a person's life those moral values that are - acceptable to God. Then towards others it is peaceable, making for peace rather than conflict because it is gentle and easy to be entreated. The person that has this wisdom is approachable. It is full of mercy and good fruits showing sympathy and compassion to those who are in need. It is completely sincere. The result of following this wisdom is a life pleasing to God.

The prayer of the apostle Paul for the church in Colossae was:

That ye may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, to walk worthily of the Lord unto all pleasing, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:9,10).

That prayer sums up what we have been thinking about: The spiritual wisdom that comes from above directs the walk of the believer who sincerely asks for it, and produces a fruitful life, pleasing to God.

L.A. Hickling | Jul 1990
General