Wisdom is the most important thing you can pursue in life. The Book of Proverbs declares,
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding”
Proverbs 4:7 (KJV)
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But what exactly is wisdom, and how can you get more of it?
In this article, I’ll explore what the Bible teaches about the true wisdom that comes from God. We’ll look at:
- What wisdom is.
- Why wisdom matters.
- How to get wisdom.
- The power of operating in wisdom.
What is Wisdom?
Wisdom is the ability to take knowledge and understanding and apply it skillfully to produce desired results.
It’s not just having information; it’s knowing how to effectively use that information.
The book of Proverbs personifies wisdom as a woman crying out, inviting people to partake of her blessings. Proverbs 8:12 (NIV) states,
“I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.”
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True wisdom sees every issue from God’s vantage point and helps you to properly prioritize.
Wisdom brings clarity when life feels out of control and overwhelming.
Proverbs 4:6-7 (ESV) declares,
“6 Do not forsake her, and she will keep you;
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love her, and she will guard you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom,
and whatever you get, get insight.”
Why We Need Wisdom
We all face challenging situations that require wisdom. Finances, relationships, career decisions, parenting, and health issues—navigating all of these areas demands wisdom.
Wisdom provides solutions for every circumstance you encounter if you inquire of the Lord.
Proverbs 2:6 ( King James Version) says,
“For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”
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Operating in wisdom will help you to steward your life excellently and avoid costly mistakes.
Wisdom will show you which paths to take and which ones to avoid.
Psalm 111:10 (New International Version) tells us,
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.”
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How to Get Godly Wisdom
Since wisdom comes from the Lord, you will get it by spending time in His presence and His Word. Here are some keys:
- Study the Bible: God’s Word contains wisdom for every situation. Meditating on scripture will provide you with insight and understanding.
- Pray: Ask God for wisdom, believe you receive it, and thank Him for it. James 1:5 promises God will give wisdom to those who ask.
- Listen to the Holy Spirit: The Spirit reveals the mind and heart of God to us. Praying in the Spirit accesses this supernatural wisdom.
- Learn from wise mentors – Godly counselors can impart wisdom from the lessons they’ve learned (Proverbs 13:20).
- Reflect on life experiences – As you walk with God over time, He will teach you through life experiences.
Wisdom requires investment. Proverbs 2:1-5 exhorts us to actively seek wisdom like a hidden treasure.
As God gives you wisdom, you must value it enough to devote time and effort to hearing and applying His ways.
The Power of Operating in Wisdom
Why is wisdom so powerful? Wisdom bridges the gap between gaining knowledge and understanding on the one hand and seeing the desired results on the other.
Wisdom takes truth from being abstract to experiential.
Applying God’s Word skillfully through wisdom will empower you to walk in the fullness of what Scripture promises. James 3:13 (NIV) notes,
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
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Operating in wisdom will position you to receive the blessings that belong to you through Christ and live abundantly.
You can face adversity and uncertainty with confidence, knowing that you have access to God’s strategies for a breakthrough.
Wisdom will cause you to shine like a star in a dark world (Daniel 12:3).
Of course, wisdom is not a one-time acquisition. It’s a lifelong journey of learning, applying, and maturing.
But the more you pursue wisdom, the more rewarding the pursuit becomes. Even a small amount of wisdom can drastically improve your life.
Proverbs 16:16 (NIV) declares,
“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”
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Key Takeaways
- Wisdom is the ability to skillfully apply knowledge to produce the desired results.
- Wisdom provides solutions and brings clarity in challenging circumstances.
- Gain Godly wisdom by studying scripture, praying, listening to the Holy Spirit, and consulting Godly mentors.
- Operating in wisdom will allow you to fully walk in God’s blessings and promises.
- Pursuing wisdom is a lifelong journey that leads to great rewards.
Conclusion
As you can see, wisdom is something every believer should highly prize and diligently pursue every day.
You’ll never regret the time invested to grow in understanding and skillfully applying God’s ways.
Wisdom leads to blessings, promotion, increased influence, and more—things we all desire.
Choose a lifestyle of continually getting wisdom and understanding. You’ll find it the most rewarding quest you’ll ever embark on!
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom
Here are some common questions people have about cultivating wisdom:
Q. What’s the difference between wisdom and knowledge?
A. Knowledge is information, while wisdom is the skillful application of that information. Everyone knows people who are highly educated but unwise in their life choices. Wisdom is translational.
Q. Can you be wise and humble at the same time?
A. Absolutely! True wisdom recognizes our dependence on God’s grace. The wise remain teachable and hungry to keep growing. 1 Corinthians 8:1 (ESV) states, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.”
Q. Does wisdom automatically come with old age?
A. No, age alone doesn’t make someone wise. However, a lifetime of walking with God, learning His ways through both good and hard times, certainly positions one for wisdom. We must couple age with the consistent pursuit of the Lord.
Q. Does wisdom guarantee success in every endeavor?
A. While operating in wisdom greatly increases our odds of succeeding in any endeavor, there are no guarantees on outcomes when other people are involved. Ungodly influences can hinder the trajectory of an otherwise wise plan. Nonetheless, wisdom remains our best course.
