“The Lord gives wisdom . . from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” Proverbs 2:6 NIV
“Wisdom is the art of applying God’s truth correctly.”
My thoughts today are about “applying truth.”
How well you do in life will be greatly impacted by the quality of your formal education and the life-lessons of your experiences. Education is valuable; life experience is beyond price. The quality of your education is not altogether about the reputation of the university you attend, but about the application of yourself to be an avid and appreciative learner. A university degree proves only that you took the required courses and got passing grades; it does not measure or adequately reflect the level of knowledge and understanding you acquired or wisdom gained.
Solomon wrote, “The Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6 NIV. Beyond the information you gather and the experiences you will gain, life is lived best when you recognize that God is your Source for living wisely. Paul marveled at the unlimited and available truth to be known in God. “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His paths beyond tracing.” Read Romans 11:33 NIV.
In his earliest years as the new King of Israel, Solomon was given the opportunity to ask God for whatever he wanted. Read 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 NKJV. What would a king ask for – wealth, honor, long life, or victory in battle? Above everything else, Solomon desired wisdom. “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this . . great people of Yours.”
Solomon understood that for the large responsibilities before him to lead and judge wisely, he would need wisdom beyond what he possessed and that would best come from God. Wisdom begins with a humble heart to serve God well. Here’s God’s response: “Because this was in your heart . . wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings before you, nor shall any after you.” All other things you may hope for in life will not assure you of wisdom, but wisdom will gain what you otherwise would not attain.
Solomon wrote the book of Proverbs whose central theme is the gaining of wisdom and its practical lessons for everyday life. Solomon’s advice? “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her and she will promote you . .” Read Proverbs 4:7-13 NKJV. Wisdom is not to be confused with mere cleverness, not broad knowledge, nor being worldly-wise. “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle . .” See James 3:13-18 NKJV.
To live wisely, you must develop a spiritual sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. To have wisdom, you must live in obedience to God’s direction. To be truly wise, you must love and know God’s Word. Wisdom is the practiced art of applying God’s truth correctly. You know God’s Word best when you truly know God first. “I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep your precepts.” Psalm 119:97-105 NKJV.
My prayer for you today is that you ask God for wisdom and prize it highly.