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| Volume 26 Number 4 April 2024 |
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| Volume 26 Number 4 April 2024 |
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Wisdom From Above
Rodney Nulph, Associate Editor
Do you know any wise people, not wise guys but wise people? How do you know they are wise? I have been around some folks in my life who thought they were quite wise, but notice carefully: “they thought they were wise.” Often, it is assumed that with age comes wisdom. However, such is not always true. Wisdom, like humility, is seen and never heard! While wisdom is sometimes shared, it is never shared in an arrogant or with a “been there done that” attitude. Confucious said, “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” Those who are truly wise understand that wisdom comes at a great price, and therefore, careful consideration is given before wisdom is shared. I recently read somewhere that is so fitting, “Encouragement is always welcome, but counsel is by invitation only.” In other words, sharing wisdom must be done carefully and thoughtfully. Wisdom is an immeasurable trait that can be learned in the process of life. Worldly wisdom is of little value, while the wisdom from above is a rare treasure (Proverbs 16:16).
The Derivation of Wisdom
Real wisdom comes from the all-wise Father! “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5 ESV). “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). True wisdom comes from God! In fact, one cannot even begin the process of gaining wisdom until he learns to fear and revere the Lord (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; Psalm 111:10). So before labeling a person as wise, one should consider his or her spiritual fortitude. Truly wise people are governed by the Lord’s decrees. They do not “give lip service” to God’s Word, but rather they implement it in the daily affairs of life. A man that I knew (who has since passed) was a truly wise person. When a question or concern was brought to him, his first response was, “We should pray about it.” His second response was, “Let’s see how God’s Word addresses this topic.” The fruits of his life were evident; he really lived what he believed from God’s Word! God had given to him, generously, divine wisdom. True wisdom can only come from God!
The Verification of Wisdom
Wisdom is one of those traits in life that cannot be verified by one telling how wise he or she is, but rather, it is verified by a person’s way of life and how it positively affects those around him or her. The wisest folks I have ever known were quiet people. Someone who always has the answer to every question is often thought to be wise, but true wisdom says otherwise. “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13). Notice how humility and gentleness (meekness) is coupled with wisdom. Wisdom is gentle and humble, not arrogant and brash! “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom” (Proverbs 11:2). In contrast to worldly wisdom, James affirmed that divine wisdom “…is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).
The Application of Wisdom
Applying wisdom to daily situations is what makes one truly wise. Many folks know how they should respond, but knowing and doing are two different things (James 2:14-20). In fact, it is not true wisdom until it becomes a practical way of life. Understanding the transience of life is wisdom; “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Understanding God’s ways are always right, and those ways cannot be separated from His Word. That is wisdom. “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). Those who are always learning and continue to grow, no matter their age, are deemed wise; “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge” (Proverbs 18:15). Learning to not “say everything” you know and feel is a trait of wisdom. “A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back” (Proverbs 29:11). Someone has rightfully said, “Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.” Listening to sound advice is an application of wisdom. “By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom” (Proverbs 13:10; 10:8). A study of the book of Proverbs, written by an inspired man of wisdom, is suggested for those who want to delve deeper into the application of wisdom.
Divine wisdom is a treasure that is mined over a lifetime of drawing close to God and feasting on His riches. Supplication, meditation and application are all necessary in gaining wisdom from above. Sadly, far too many of us seek every treasure under the sun but fail to seek the greatest treasure from God – wisdom. “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight” (Proverbs 4:7).
