Another Year of Choices
By Barbara Dahlgren
Solomon was considered the wisest man who ever lived and was the principle writer of the book of Proverbs, which tells us to get wisdom and understanding. (Proverbs 4:5) Why? Because wisdom and understanding are the keys to happiness. (Proverbs 3:13)
However, it also tells us that wisdom is slightly more important: “Wisdom is the principle thing; therefore, get wisdom!” (Proverbs 4:7) Wisdom is the ability to discern and judge what is good or true. Furthermore, it should lead to choosing a right course of action based on that judgement.
There are certain benefits to having wisdom. (Proverbs 24:13-14) In a way, wisdom is a little gift we give ourselves. (Proverbs 19:8) The Bible says it is more valuable than gold. (Proverbs 16:16)
So how do we get this fantastic gift? Well, we start by listening, hearing, and harkening to instruction. (Proverbs 8:32) So let’s listen, hear, and harken to a what the Bible has to say about wisdom. Here are some attributes of wise people. They…
Fear God (Proverbs 9:10): This does not mean they tremble in their boots at the thought that God could zap them into oblivion. Another meaning of the word “fear” is to have respect and awe. This is the beginning of wisdom. Wise people acknowledge God’s existence and His importance in their lives. They trust and depend on God for their needs. They realize that going against God’s instruction is the same as hurting themselves; they would be “wronging their own souls.” (Proverbs 8:33-36) Heeding what God says is for their own good.
Have Humility (Proverbs 11:2): Wise people are not “know-it-alls.” They are not proud and haughty. They have teachable spirits and a willingness to change and grow. They readily admit mistakes.
Read the Bible (Proverbs 4:11-13): Wise people “take hold of instruction.” (Proverbs 4:13) The Bible is full of spiritual instruction and the book of Proverbs has some dandy physical instruction as well. So wise people read the Scriptures and get to know Jesus intimately.
Implement God’s Teachings into Their Lives (Matthew 7:24): Reading the Bible is not enough; what we read must be implemented. Jesus said, “Whoever hears these sayings of mine and does them is like a wise man who builds his house upon a rock.” Our Rock is Jesus Christ.
Dig a Little Deeper (Colossians 1:9): Wisdom is great, but spiritual wisdom is even better. Spiritual wisdom comes from a deeper understanding of what God’s will is in our lives. Spiritually wise people are able to see beyond the physical into spiritual aspects of everything around them. They see God’s wisdom in simple things. (Psalms 19:7)
So once again I ask, how do we get this wisdom? We mentioned we get it by listening, hearing, and harkening, but in addition, we might try asking God for it. James says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who gives generously… and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)
Although Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, there is one wiser. His name is Jesus. Jesus spoke about the queen of the south coming to hear the wisdom of Solomon, then went on to say, “…and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.” (Matthew 12:42) He was referring to Himself. What an understatement!
Consider this… Jesus is the very wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1:24) And we who are in Christ Jesus have been given wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Stay close to Jesus. In Him are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:3)
Suggestions for practicing this choice…
- Pray for wisdom. (James 1:5)
- Study God’s Word and ask God to reveal the hidden treasures. (Colossians 2:3)
- Seek and heed godly counsel. (Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 5:11-13)
- Associate with wise people. (Proverbs 13:20)
- Read the book of Proverbs and pay special attention to every time it uses the word “wise” or “wisdom.”
