Wisdom - An Acqisition Checklist

Wisdom - An Acqisition Checklist


Two Characteristics of wise people

# 1 - They hear the call of wisdom, and respond

Doth not wisdom cry? and understanding put forth her voice? She standeth in the top of high places, by the way in the places of the paths. She crieth at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. Unto you, O men, I call; and my voice is to the sons of man. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart. Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips shall be right things.

(Proverbs 8:1-6)

Wisdom–what’s it worth to ya?

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom:

and with all thy getting get understanding.

Proverbs 4:7

It is plain to see from the words of Solomon here in Proverbs chapter 4 that wisdom had great value to him. Solomon was, after all, one of the wisest men that ever lived. But what gives wisdom such a high value? Why is it that we are told to seek after it with such a strong desire? Well, the Bible has some things to say about it that gives us an idea of just what wisdom is worth. Let’s take a look.

Wisdom has a value that cannot be measured. It is priceless.

It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.

(Job 28:16)

Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

(Proverbs 3:13-14)

For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

(Proverbs 8:11)

In these three sections of scripture, wisdom is compared to the value of precious stones and metals. And in each comparison the result is the same. There is no comparison. Wisdom’s value was so much higher than those things that it would be silly to place it on a scale with any of these things. The scale would always tip in the direction of wisdom. This goes counter to today’s thinking. We have become a society that places great value on things. The more you have, the more you are worth. And while that may be true on this earth and to those that don’t know Christ, it simply is not, and should not, be true of those that do. We as Christians must place a higher value on gaining wisdom than on gaining all that the world has to offer. Why? Because the wisdom we can gain from God has an eternal value while anything you can get from the world will not last. Jesus said “Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.” (Luke 21:33 )

 

Wisdom lays an immovable foundation.

In Matthew 7, Christ tells of two men. One of them built his house on a rock and the other built his house on the sand. The one who built his house on the rock was called wise. Why? When the storms of life came, his house was able to stand up to it and survive because his foundation was secure. His illustration was a picture of someone that actively heard the Word of God.God calls us to have an understanding of the Word of God and to use that understanding to navigate the storms of life. That is the very definition of wisdom.

Conclusion

So, are you  looking to be wise? If so, what kind of wisdom are you seeking? The wisdom of the world or the wisdom that is of God? One thing I can guarantee you is that troubles and trials will come. When they do, would you rather be in a house that is founded on the rock of God’s truth, or in a house founded on the sand of man’s wisdom?

Next time we will look at some characteristics of wise men. See ya then!

Wisdom - An Introduction

Wisdom - Introduction

Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

(Proverbs 4:5-7)
Here we see Solomon's desire for his children to seek out and hold on to wisdom. His desire for it is so great that he compares it to finding a bride. But before we start working through a series on it, let's see just what widsom is.

Here is the definition according to Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary.
And, please, stay with it. I know it is lengthy, but it is worth it to understand what we are studying here.

WISDOM, n. s as z. [G. See Wise.]

1. The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them. This is wisdom in act, effect, or practice. If wisdom is to be considered as a faculty of the mind, it is the faculty of discerning or judging what is most just, proper and useful, and if it is to be considered as an acquirement, it is the knowledge and use of what is best, most just, most proper, most conducive to prosperity or happiness. Wisdom in the first sense, or practical wisdom, is nearly synonymous with discretion. It differs somewhat from prudence, in this respect; prudence is the exercise of sound judgment in avoiding evils; wisdom is the exercise of sound judgment either in avoiding evils or attempting good. Prudence then is a species, of which wisdom is the genus.

Wisdom gained by experience, is of inestimable value.

It is hoped that our rulers will act with dignity and wisdom; that they will yield every thing to reason, and refuse every thing to force.

2. In Scripture, human learning; erudition; knowledge of arts and sciences.

Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. Acts 7.

3. Quickness of intellect; readiness of apprehension; dexterity in execution; as the wisdom of Bezaleel and Aholiab. Exodus 31.

4. Natural instinct and sagacity. Job 39.

5. In Scripture theology, wisdom is true religion; godliness; piety; the knowledge and fear of God, and sincere and uniform obedience to his commands. This is the wisdom which is from above. Psalm 90. Job 28.

6. Profitable words or doctrine. Psalm 37.

The wisdom of this world, mere human erudition; or the carnal policy of men, their craft and artifices in promoting their temporal interests; called also fleshly wisdom. 1 Corinthians 2. 2 Corinthians 1.

The wisdom of words, artificial or affected eloquence; or learning displayed in teaching. 1 Corinthians 1 and 2.

So, as we can see, we can take wisdom in many directions. But for our purposes, let's boil it down to something simple. Here is my best attempt at a simplified version of the definition of wisdom.

    Wisdom: The desire, ability, and use of knowledge in a Godly manner.

I know this may seem abrupt, but I'm going to end this post here. Until then, let's all seek out God's wisdom in all we do.