WISDOM
30th Sep 2020
I have been reading the book of Proverbs and been struck by all the various instructions about “Wisdom”. We all want to make wise decisions and not foolish ones.
So I see first we are told to apply our hearts and minds to getting wisdom, by reading the Word and seeking to know God’s heart on the situations of life, also listening to wise people and learning from their experience. But at the very heart of wisdom is learning how to seek God for His mind on every decision we make.
Proverbs 4:5-7 lays down the basic principles. “Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.” (NLT)
So how do we actively seek God’s wisdom for every situation of life? James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
There are some keys in this verse; first, we need to express to God our need of His wisdom on every decision we make. Secondly, we are taking a step of faith knowing that God will answer and give generously. Thirdly, God is promising wisdom even when our foolishness has got us into the dilemma we are facing. Sometimes we feel that we cannot ask God because our problem is the result of our own bad judgement and carelessness.
God is gracious even when we have been stupid - so don’t let your pride get in the way of seeking God for His wisdom; and be assured that when you ask He will answer.
It is all too easy to make selfish decisions, fearful decisions, angry decisions, pressurised decisions, hasty decisions or foolish decisions, when God has made the way for us to make wise decisions.
Once having made a wise decision, it does not follow that we will always make wise decisions. We need to seek God every step of our journey. Read the amazing story in 1 Kings 13 of the man of God who had been given wise instructions which he obeyed once; and then later was deceived into foolish disobedience and lost his life as a result!
by Charles Sibthorpe
