What is Wisdom?

 

Wisdom is a timeless pursuit that has captivated humanity throughout history. From ancient philosophers to modern thinkers, the quest for wisdom has been a foundational aspect of personal growth and understanding. In the context of Christianity, wisdom holds a special significance, as it encompasses a deeper understanding of God's truth, guidance, and purpose for our lives. In this blog, I want to take a look at the concept of wisdom, examining its source, its attributes, and its practical implications for believers.

1. The Source of Wisdom:

Wisdom finds its ultimate source in God. The Bible describes God as the all-knowing, wise Creator who generously bestows wisdom upon those who seek it. The book of James tells us that if we lack wisdom, we need only ask God and He will give it to us.  In the book of Proverbs, King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, emphasizes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This "fear" refers to reverential awe and submission to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life as well as the literal fear of realizing the awesome strength and majesty of God.

2. The Attributes of Wisdom:

Wisdom encompasses more than mere knowledge or intellectual prowess. It involves discernment, understanding, and the ability to apply knowledge in a way that aligns with God's will. This is an important distinction because people often feel that wisdom and knowledge or intellect are interchangeable terms. The apostle James writes that true wisdom is characterized by humility, purity, peace, gentleness, reasonableness, mercy, and good fruits. Wisdom is not self-centered but seeks the well-being of others and promotes righteousness, justice, and love. Essentially, true wisdom seeks to do God’s will.

3. Seeking Wisdom:

To obtain wisdom, Christians are encouraged to pursue a vibrant relationship with God. This involves studying His Word, the Bible, which is filled with timeless principles, parables, and teachings that offer guidance for daily living. Prayer and meditation provide opportunities to seek God's wisdom, inviting His Holy Spirit to illuminate our hearts and minds with divine insight. Additionally, seeking counsel from wise and mature believers within the Christian community can provide valuable perspectives and guidance. 

4. Sharing Wisdom:

As Christians grow in wisdom, we are called to share it with others. This can be done through teaching, mentoring, and being a positive influence in the lives of those around us. By sharing wisdom, believers can help others make informed decisions, find spiritual growth, and experience the blessings that come from aligning their lives with God's truth. This is a part of wisdom that is almost always overlooked. We seek to obtain wisdom so that we can put it to work for the benefit of others in their quest for wisdom and meaning in this life, pointing them to Christ as their ultimate source.

Wisdom holds a central place in the Christian faith, rooted in the fear of the Lord and a deep reverence for His guidance. It is a lifelong pursuit that involves seeking God's wisdom through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking counsel from fellow believers. As we grow in wisdom, we are empowered to make wise choices, navigate life’s challenges, and positively impact the lives of others. May we all strive to embrace wisdom and allow it to shape our lives, drawing us closer to God and reflecting His love to the world around us.