Wisdom – Part 3
The Priority of Wisdom
Wisdom incorporates the ability to use the best means at the best time to accomplish the best ends. It is not merely a matter of information or knowledge, but of skilful and practical application of the truth to the ordinary facets of life. Admitting we lack wisdom is a difficult, but necessary, first step on the road to skilful living.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 (NKJV)
If God allowed you to ask for one thing, what would it be? Most people would probably ask for a long life or wealth or power, but Solomon pleased the Lord by requesting a discerning heart of wisdom:
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask! What shall I give you?” And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David my father, because he walked before You in truth, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with You; You have continued this great kindness for him, and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you. And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days. So if you walk in My ways, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.” 1 Kings 3:5-14 (NKJV)
Because of his focus on wisdom, with a desire to serve the Lord and His people above all other things, Solomon was also granted things he did not ask for. This is an illustration of the truth of Jesus’ words concerning the one thing that is most needful:
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
When we pursue first things first, the second things are thrown in; when we pursue second things first, we not only miss out on the first things, but we also miss the fullness of the second things.
Wisdom is skill in the art of living with each facet of life under God’s authority.
Godly wisdom differs greatly from the wisdom of this world. James tells us:
But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3:14-17 (NKJV)
The wisdom of Christ is very different from the wisdom of this world; do not confuse the two. One is self- seeking, the other is God serving.
Wise men and women throughout the centuries have spent regular time in the book of Proverbs. Let me encourage you to make it your practice to read one chapter of this wonderful book a day every month, asking God for the qualities of wisdom, prudence, understanding, discernment, discipline, insight, knowledge, discretion, guidance, instruction, faithfulness, sound judgment, humility, justice, diligence, the fear of the Lord and a true understanding of success.