Wisdom 101

September 3, 2015

When you hear the word wisdom, what comes to mind?  For many wisdom is associated with an older person with gray hair.  If that is your thought pattern it’s really flawed, for there are millions of old gray haired people in this world that do not have the sense to get out of the rain.  So if wisdom is not based on length of ones life on planet earth, what is it, and how does one possess it?

Maybe we should have looked at how the word wisdom is defined: “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise.”  (Dictionary online)   The Oxford English Dictionary defines wisdom as "Capacity of judging rightly in matters relating to life and conduct; soundness of judgment in the choice of means and ends; sometimes, less strictly, sound sense, esp. in practical affairs: opp. to folly;" also "Knowledge (esp. of a high or abstruse kind); enlightenment, learning, erudition."

Have you ever had the opportunity to hangout with some people with doctor before or after their name, and some with MBA you know the folks who have spent a lot of time and money in what is referred to as higher learning?  I must tell you I have and some of them are very smart, some are amazing in their subject matter, but many are not someone you would go to for counsel.  And so this thought came to mind, education and book learning does not equal wisdom, just like there are many who have gray hair that are not wise, there are many who have diplomas from University’s that need help crossing the street in traffic.

The Scriptures tell us that of men who had an earthly dad no one came close to King Solomon in the area of wisdom.  So I am assuming the Scriptures hold some meaning to you, and if that is true, then the following is a good starting point.  In the book of Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”  In that this writer is simple, can we just state that wisdom is an awesome reverence, admiration for and esteem for our great God the Creator and LORD, and the more knowledge we have of our great God, who is One God - Three Persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, one begins to gain insight.

The book of Proverbs speaks often of Wisdom even it’s origin and so my desire is to gain wisdom and my prayer is that you also are a seeker of wisdom for it’s available to those who seek it as some seek hidden treasure.  Proverbs 3:13-18, “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding,
for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.
She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.  She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.”  In these six verses are great promises, most of them men seek but not on these terms.  Many get silver and gold, they even get riches and honor, but long life is not in anyone’s hands but God, and that is also true with peace. 

Quotes on wisdom: “There is a difference between happiness and wisdom: he that thinks himself the happiest man is really so; but he that thinks himself the wisest is generally the greatest fool.” (Francis Bacon)

“Not until we have become humble and teachable, standing in awe of God's holiness and sovereignty.  Acknowledging our own littleness, distrusting our own thoughts, and willing to have our minds turned upside down, can divine wisdom become ours.” (J.I. Packer)

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice