What if our words were indicative of how we are wielding wisdom?
Wisdom. It almost has an ancient ring to it. It’s as if wisdom is harkening unto us, but we have lost the capacity to hear its cry. Or, maybe, we believe we already attain wisdom and have become wise in our own eyes (Proverbs 3:7). What is wisdom? How do we attain wisdom? What are the benefits of wisdom? Maybe, most importantly, how should we wield wisdom?
Wisdom is said to be many things in Scripture – a savior (Proverbs 2:12, 16), profitable (Proverbs 3:14), precious (Proverbs 3:15), pleasant (Proverbs 3:17), life (Proverbs 3:18, 22), and honorable (Proverbs 3:35). Wisdom is the right application of knowledge, but the ramifications of this understanding and application run deep.
Has wisdom become elusive, or have we simply ceased our journey toward her? How do we attain wisdom? How do we enact wisdom, and how do we live in wisdom? While Proverbs 2 – 3 tells us to get wisdom (Proverbs 2:1-3; 3:13, 23), it does not necessarily describe how to attain wisdom. Of course, God is never without guidance. In James 1:5 James tells us how to attain this most precious gift. James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom let him ask of God who gives to all generously and without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Are you telling me that wisdom simply comes to those who ask for it? It sure looks that way. Like any good gift from God it must be used in order to grow (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 16:10). We simply need to ask.
There are incredible blessings when we live as wise. Most importantly when we attain wisdom we will grow in the fear (reverence) of the Lord (Proverbs 2:5). Our relationship with the Lord is of utmost importance. With wisdom comes the humility to live in right relationship with God. Success (Proverbs 2:7), protection (Proverbs 2:7), contentment (Proverbs 2:10), discretion (Proverbs 2:11), righteousness (Proverbs 2:20), love (Proverbs 3:3), faithfulness (Proverbs 3:3), favor (Proverbs 3:4), a good reputation (Proverbs 3:4), guidance (Proverbs 3:5), health (Proverbs 3:8), understanding (Proverbs 3:13), peace (Proverbs 3:17), sound judgment (Proverbs 3:21), fearlessness (Proverbs 3:24), rest (Proverbs 3:24), and honor (Proverbs 3:35) are all benefits of wisdom. With all of these blessing wisdom is necessary or else we might not utilize these blessings in a way that honors God and others. Wisdom helps us fulfill the Great Commandment – to love the God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-38).
There are many ways in which we will wield wisdom, but as we conclude I would like to encourage and challenge you with one way in which you could wield wisdom. Proverbs 10:21 says, “The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom.” What if our words were indicative of how we are wielding wisdom? Maybe they are. I want to encourage and challenge you – think before you speak (James 1:19).
Love well.
