Does wisdom come from life’s experiences? Many think so but what about those who make wrong decisions they also believe themselves to be wise, did their experiences help them to be wise? How do you know when you are not making the best decision? Who gives you discernment? Fortunately we have a teacher but if you think about it knowing someone who knows the way doesn’t necessarily mean we will listen. There was once a king who dreamed God told him to ask for anything and it would be given to him. The king didn’t ask for what most in his position would ask; knowing his position would cause enemies he could have asked for long life but he didn’t.
Solomon, was wise even before he asked because he watched how God loved his father David and protected him. Knowing God was the source of his father’s fame and seeing how David was loved by such a mighty number of people in Solomon’s dream he asked God for wisdom, an understanding heart and God was pleased. God was so pleased that He also blessed Solomon with what he didn’t ask for – riches and fame and long life (read 1 Kings 3).
Later much of the book of Proverbs was written by Solomon. Individual proverbs were, up until then, used by instructors to teach the children of Israel how to apply God’s wisdom to everyday living. Look at how Proverbs starts out.
Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.
(Proverbs 1:7 NLT)
No one likes discipline but godly correction actually brings us to a better understanding of who God is and what righteousness looks like. God, like a good father longs to bless His children with good gifts but many of those gifts (not God’s love) is conditional. First we are to make an effort to know who God is and then to love Him. We love Him by listening to His Word and obeying His instructions but we must also ask and when we ask we must believe!
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
(James 1:5-8 NLT)
As you seek God and ask for understanding slow down and listen, not all who offer advise are as wise as they believe themselves to be. Judge every decision, every thought by the Word of God and how can you do that if you do not know it? Wisdom is not gained by winning a race, often those who are first with a smart saying are the farthest away from real wisdom. If we believe true wisdom comes from God then being quiet long enough to listen is required and if we are not listening then where is the instruction coming from as it spews out of the mouth? Don’t be fooled though many appear wise as they build their great kingdoms where will they turn when the storms come? Jesus taught us this…
"Anyone who listens to My teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears My teaching and doesn't obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash."
(Matthew 7:24-27 NLT)
Pride is the enemy of wisdom, for pride says, “I can do it” but wisdom says, “God can do it”
Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.
(Proverbs 16:18 NLT)
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