What is So Important about Godly Wisdom?
If asked, how would you define wisdom?
Wisdom:
1) The ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight. 2) The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting.
Based on those definitions, everyone, Jesus follower or not, would consider wisdom valuable for success, safety, and well-being.
But this month you and I will dig deep into wisdom as part of The Faith Project. I want to study Godly wisdom. What wisdom is for a follower of Jesus.
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What is Godly wisdom?
What does wisdom look like for a follower of Jesus.
Why do I need wisdom?
How can I get wisdom?
How can I grow in wisdom?
How should I apply Godly wisdom to my life? In my relationships? With my finances? In decision making?
So, let’s start by looking at…
What the Bible says about wisdom?
Looking for wisdom in the wrong place led to sin:
The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Genesis 3:6
Solomon asked God for it.
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom. 1 Kings 3: 10
God gave Solomon very great wisdom and understanding, and knowledge as vast as the sands of the seashore. 1 Kings 4:29
And Solomon wrote Proverbs. (A good definition of a biblical proverb is “a short saying that expresses a general truth for practical, godly living. Google Definitions)
These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Proverbs 1:1–2
For the Lord grants wisdom! From His mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. Proverbs 2:9–11
Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with it. Proverbs 8:11
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. Proverbs 9:10
Paul wrote the following about Jesus.
God has united you with Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made Him to be wisdom itself. Christ made us right with God; He made us pure and holy, and He freed us from sin. 1 Corinthians 1:30
And James wrote…
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5
What is Godly Wisdom Today . . . for You and Me?
Like freedom (January) and love (February), wisdom is found in relationship. Our relationship with God through Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit.
No amount of knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, or insight alone will give us Godly wisdom. Because Godly wisdom is God-given. And it grows by getting to know Him and His will. True Godly wisdom will bless every relationship.
Our marriages. Our children. Our careers. Our friendships. Our big families. Churches. Communities. Etc.
God used much of the Bible to tell us about the wise thing to do in our relationship with Him and with others. And then He summed it all up in a few sentences.
Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:29–31
Godly wisdom shows itself in love. But thankfully, God didn’t leave us there. He went on to give us lots of details of just how loving wisely should look.
So, I’m digging deep into wisdom. I’m asking God for the gift of wisdom. I’m spending additional time in the Word. I’m memorizing His promises. I’m spending more time in prayer. I’m listening for His voice. And asking for His help to follow wherever He leads.
Because God’s gift of wisdom when followed offers blessings…
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. James 3:17
I have to admit I haven’t thought about wisdom much in the past. I’m guessing you haven’t either. It’s so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life. Just following my regular routine. Just doing…
Which is why it’s my relationship to God that’s important. God wants you and me to be so connected to Him that living with His wisdom is our regular routine. Something we don’t have to think about. Something we just do.
Because He wants the best for us. And following His wisdom gives peace, gentleness, kindness, mercy . . . fruit.
Solomon said it even gives happiness.
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. Proverbs 3:18
How cool is that?!
You and I chase around after happiness and it’s right in front of us all along. Right there in Godly wisdom.
I can’t wait to see where this month of The Faith Project leads us. I have a lot to learn and I’m hoping you will join me.
I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts below.
*Would you do me a favor — if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone else? Maybe a friend, coworker, or family member…
**And,
Deb well said! We do look everywhere for happiness and it is right there in front of us all of the time! God Bless!
Thank you, Lisa! I’ve never really stopped to equate wisdom and happiness before, but Scripture is clear. our relationship with God through Jesus draws us to wisdom and gives us joy and happiness. Talk about a bonus blessing!
I read through Proverbs last year and there are so many gems of wisdom in that book!
I agree, Emily. I feel like I should memorize much of Proverbs. Talk about wisdom for life. Wow!
Each week our church (and then I on a daily basis) pray for our college students. I feel like I am a broken record each week because i pray for them to gain knowledge in their classes, but most importantly, wisdom in dealing with life and how to apply what they learn. Much like you have written Deb.
What an important prayer, Bill! Oh, that we would pray wisdom over our country, parents, students . . . yes, even ourselves. How cool is it that God says He wants to give us wisdom. Ask and He wants to bless us with His wisdom. Ask. Seek. Knock. Wow, we’re blessed!
Thanks Deb, a good reminder of the value of wisdom and where you can find it at work. Wisdom is the action of knowledge. You cannot know it exists unless it is used. Love God and love your neighbor.
Amen, Patty. God wants to give us wisdom so that we can bless each other by using it. And by His grace we get blessed in the process. It makes so much sense, I often wonder why we listen to the world’s wisdom at all.
Love this post, Deb!
Godly wisdom shows itself in love! Oh, how I needed to be reminded of this one today!
Thanks for always pointing us back to Jesus and back to love!
Sure am grateful for you~
Melanie
Melanie, You are such a great encouragement. Thank you!
I always think of wisdom being linked with fearing God, Deb. And that’s an area where I need to grow so much more. But I am grateful that you’ve pointed out how wisdom shows itself in love–God’s love as well. That’s why it’s so crucial, as you’ve pointed out, to know God more, so that we can love and live with others wisely.
I completely agree, Beth. Wisdom does begin with the fear of the Lord. Prov. 1:7. I think it gets lived out then in love. But it definitely begins with awe and respect. I love then how God wants our relationship with Him and our love for Him to grow and pour into the lives of others. Thanks for sharing that great point. Blessings to you!
I love that God makes getting wisdom so easy for us. We only need to seek Him wholeheartedly we would have the wisdom we desired!
Ask. Seek. Knock. Don’t you love it?! What an awesome God we serve!
Another inspiring and uplifting series to look forward to following, Deb! I know I need His wisdom in my life, and I will make a more conscious effort to pray for that to enter and become a part of my day to day.
Blessings!
Thank you, Martha. I’m learning so much each month. Looking beyond the surface deep into the Word for what God says is definitely growing my faith. I’m thankful it is blessing you, too!
Wow, with one tween and one teen daughter in the house, I am constantly needing Godly wisdom, Deb! 😉 Thank you for this practical guidance. Pinning! And visiting today from Intentional @ Home.
Elizabeth, I’m praying for wisdom for you and for them. Thanks so much for visiting and for stopping to say ‘hi.’ Blessings to you!
Deb,
What a beautiful reminder of the access that God gives us to receive His wisdom. I have learned the hard way the necessity to seek His wisdom daily. I want to show His love in my actions every day. Thank you for sharing what God is revealing to you about this topic as you dig deeper. Continued blessings to you and yours!
Thanks so much, Horace. It is amazing isn’t it? That God wants to give us HIs wisdom. It’s there . . . available to have and use. And yet, I so foolishly look elsewhere. Thanks for your kind encouragement! Blessings!!
This is so helpful, Deb. I find myself all the time praying for wisdom, coming up short, speaking out of a void. Thank you for emphasizing this important gift of God here. May we continue in our journey, trusting him for wisdom each day.
Amen, Michele! That is my prayer to seek Him first in all things. Blessings my friend!
Love this post. Yes, everything we need is in the word and we read the scriptures in a hurry often trying to get in our daily reading. We should however, take each scripture lesson and see what it has for us to give us more wisdom, love, works, faith, and knowledge to use it all for Him.
Thank you for sharing.
Deb,
Godly wisdom is something that I seek. It’s important for my ministry. I’m fairly certain it has kept me from saying something that would have only served to tear down, rather than build up. Being in the Word daily and continually reading the Bible from cover-to-cover has helped me enormously.
Blessings!
Deb, this is a wonderful reminder we need Godly wisdom and we need to seek the Lord for it. Thank you for sharing with Thankful Thursdays.