“The wisdom that comes from Heaven is first of all pure.” James 3:17 NIV
“Wisdom is the God-given clarity of how best to use what you know and apply what you’ve learned.”
My thoughts today are about “where to find wisdom.”
Much of your years will be spent trying to figure out what life is all about. Trying to know what to do, and wanting to do what is right. That’s why you need wisdom. Wisdom is not just about gathering information, not about how much you know. It is more about finding clarity of how best to use what you know – how to employ the information you have and the knowledge you’ve gained. Wisdom seems to me to be the art of applying what you have previously learned to the issues at hand and the circumstances you’ll face.
“Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom, and in all your getting, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7 NKJV. But where do you find wisdom? I think you can find measures of wisdom about anywhere you look, more some places, less some places. If you are truly looking for it, you can uncover wisdom in unlikely places, such as where it is so glaringly lacking. Even at those times you will be wiser because you have seen the needless price paid by the unwise.
A lot of everyday wisdom comes from looking, listening, and learning. I find my beliefs and decisions guided by comments and convictions shared by family and friends across many years. Each year I am more aware of how many things my Dad said to me about life when I was just a boy – about God, marriage, family, friendship, people, money, and ministry that continue to shape my life more than forty years after his death. I wasn’t looking for wisdom at the time; I was just listening to my Dad. As I have faced life and its pleasant and not so pleasant realities, I realize the wisdom his words and way of life had safely stored away in my heart and mind.
From most people you can learn wisdom about what to do – how to speak and write properly, what is right and wrong, how to conduct yourself, social etiquette, dressing appropriately, living modestly, spiritual practices, moral values, thoughtful decision-making, spending, saving and investing, and just everyday, practical things. The Bible advises, “Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” Hebrews 13:7 NIV. Choose your mentors, friends, and examples carefully because you will become like them. You copy what and whom you admire. Admire only that and those who make you better not worse.
From some you can learn wisdom about what to avoid. The many avenues that you invite and allow to influence your opinions and beliefs every day might surprise you – your reading, entertainment, music, movies, TV, advertising, popular culture, fashions, friendships. They are each and all making you wiser, or dumber!
I heard of a young lady who, upon watching a senseless TV program or ad, is heard to say, “I feel dumber now.” Life can make you that way if you are not wise. When you read the Bible, you can say, “I feel wiser now!” And you will be if you love God’s Word and regard its truth!
“The wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure!” That is the singular thing that distinguishes God’s wisdom from all other; it’s pure, 100 % pure truth and wisdom. See James 1:5 NIV. Because of our humanity, ours and others’ wisdom is still a mixed bag of influences and fallibility. Only God is all wise and all knowing.
Here is what true wisdom will look like in your life: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13 NIV.
My prayer for you today is: be wise in eternal truth, not clever in the world’s wisdom.