Wisdom

Proverbs 2:6-11 says, “For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.”

How often were you given advice as a teenager, and you just sat there thinking... yeah, yeah, yeah? As teenagers, we think we know because we are old enough to take care of ourselves. But then something happens, and we realize we were not ready.

As Christians, we can become this way as well. We can get to a certain point in our walk where we think we have a good handle on things so we can make it through whatever comes. Then someone tells us to always be prepared. We sit there thinking... oh, I am. Then something happens, and we realize we were not ready.

The Bible tells us to be prepared for anything. In Ephesians 6:10-11 it says, “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” Wisdom is listening and preparing yourself.

Wisdom is a challenging pursuit because we are always striving towards it, yet never entirely certain if we have attained it. When we share advice, we are indeed sharing wisdom, even if we don't always recognize it as such. One way to gauge our growth in wisdom is by actively listening to others, internalizing their words, and endeavoring to apply the advice they offer.

Psalm 111:10 states, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!”

True wisdom is manifested through listening and obeying. Often, we may listen but fail to act upon what we've heard, relying instead on our own understanding. While this approach may suffice on occasion, incorporating the wisdom of others into our lives can help us navigate challenges with greater ease.

We all seek advice or wisdom from various sources—counselors, pastors, elders, parents, and friends. However, the primary source we should seek first is God. I once heard someone share that during tough times, they would turn to their spouse first, which seemed reasonable, but they sensed they were missing something. They felt God prompting them to seek Him first before turning to anyone else.

In Luke 12:31, it says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

There is profound wisdom in prioritizing seeking God above all else.