4. Foundational wisdom is the fear of the LORD.
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."
(Proverbs 9:10, ESV)
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever!"
(Psalm 111:10, ESV)
If you want to grow in wisdom according to the wisdom of God, this is where you must start.
The "fear of the LORD" is often a confusing phrase to people. What it basically means is to revere God with trust and honor and due respect. God is loving and welcomes sinners; we do not need to be afraid of him, but we also need to respect him with the understanding that he is huge and mighty and holy and that we are not.
Let me be very clear about this: there is no way to fear the LORD aside from submitting to his Kingship through faith and surrender to Jesus Christ. Being a blood-bought Christian (i.e. fearing the LORD) is a prerequisite and foundation to growth in real wisdom, wisdom that flows from and points back to God. This means believing the gospel and receiving grace. The gospel is, in fact, the wisdom of God and wisdom from God.
5. Wisdom is valuable.
"Take my instruction instead of silver,
and knowledge rather than choice gold,
for wisdom is better than jewels,
and all that you may desire cannot compare with her."
(Proverbs 8:10-11, ESV)
"How much better to get wisdom than gold!
To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver."
(Proverbs 16:16, ESV)
Wisdom is valuable because it is rare. This is basic economics. A commodity that is rare or hard to come by is more expensive and a treasure to those who possess it. This is even more true for wisdom because you can't have it by merely being wealthy. You have to seek it, mine it out yourself, and root out your own foolishnesses by the help of the Holy Spirit in order to possess it. Once you have it, oh, it is such a treasure.
(Disclaimer: Nobody ever has all wisdom but God. We are growing in wisdom. But to have any wisdom is a treasure, and each new degree of wisdom gained is a treasure.)
6. Wisdom is practical.
"Ponder the path of your feet;
then all your ways will be sure.
Do not swerve to the right or to the left;
turn your foot away from evil."
(Proverbs 4:26-27, ESV)
"In everything the prudent acts with knowledge,
but a fool flaunts his folly."
(Proverbs 13:16, ESV)
Wisdom is practical. It is applicable for everyday life for all people. Whether you are a missionary, a stay-at-home mom, a college student, or a little girl, wisdom comes to bear in your day-to-day life.
Proverbs 4:26-27 (above) speaks of "the path of your feet." This is a figurative reference to choices. Making good choices keeps you on a good "path," while making bad choices directs you on a bad "path." As the proverb says, to "ponder the path of your feet" (i.e. consider your choices with wisdom and discernment) prevents you from "[swerving]" off the good path. Good choices begin with wise thinking.
This is where we often see a limited degree of wisdom possessed by non-Christians. For example, it's wise to eat a basically healthy diet. There are natural consequences to ignoring that wisdom. Many people embrace that wisdom and certainly don't need to be Christians to do so! This is a common grace of God and, I believe, also a way that people show their design as image-bearers and, though they deny the true God, give him glory. However, we must note that this common wisdom is very much limited when it does not flow from a heart that fears, loves, and worships the Lord.
Your choices matter. This makes me think of a poster I've seen in classrooms. It says something like, "Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character." This is so true! It's not a slippery slope argument. It's just true. This is why Paul admonishes us to take our thoughts captive and bring them into submission to Christ. (See 2 Corinthians 10:5.) The fruit of the Spirit includes self-control, and, by the Spirit's help, we can exercise this, even in the tricky area of our thoughts.
Not only can wisdom inform good choices, but also choices (good or bad) will give evidence to your true character, whether it is wise or foolish. Jesus tells us in Luke 6:43-45 that your fruit (i.e. choices) give evidence to what is in your heart. You can judge the root by the fruit. What is your fruit saying about your heart? Look also at Proverbs 13:16 (above). It testifies that "a fool flaunts his folly." How does a fool flaunt his folly other than by acting and speaking like a fool? As women of the Word and daughters of God, let us make it our ambition to "flaunt" God's wisdom, starting with our hearts.
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