Devotional Messages

Wisdom in Our World

What is wisdom? After consideration I am convinced that this world's concept of wisdom is a combination of knowledge, experience, insight and intelligence, used in the approach to all things to produce a desirable outcome of some description - that's the world's view of wisdom. We may look to today's reading of Proverbs to gain insight into God's idea of wisdom.

In verses six to thirteen we see wisdom personified, beginning to answer our question: "My mouth speaks what is true, for my lips detest wickedness. All the words of my mouth are just... To fear the Lord is to hate evil". The wisdom pictured here is an understanding of truth, a hatred of wickedness, a love of justice and a fear of the Lord. While the world view could be summed up with the term understanding, the view presented here is understanding and acceptance of truth (as "acceptance of truth" would include the the hatred of evil, love of justice and fear of the Lord).

The world view and the biblical view differ again when the extent of wisdom's influence is considered. Whereas in both the biblical and worldy realm, wisdom can be used for all situations, in the world view the desirable outcome will most likely refer to negotiating life's problems and receiving happiness (usually as the result of material prosperity); which is in contrast to the biblical view, that wisdom is the very principle of creation (vv.22-31) and is itself of more worth than silver, gold or rubies (vv.10-11) for it leads to life and favour from God (vv.32-36).

If we return to the beginning of the chapter now we see that 'wisdom' has been calling out, imploring all mankind to gain prudence and understanding. It is pictured as wanting to be possesed by all: it is for everyone, available to all. This reminds me of James the brother of our Lord's words, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (Jas. 1:5).

I used to read James' words here and immediately pray that I would gain wisdom, desiring the worldly type, not knowing there was a difference. I used to become frustrated when, after praying the (misunderstood) prayer I inevitably did not increase in (worldy) wisdom. But the Lord graciously answered the prayer I should have prayed anyway, enabling me to grow in godly wisdom so that I could see the flaws of my previous, worldly concept of wisdom.

Wisdom is the ability to live in God's way on this earth: it is to understand and accept God's will, and show it by living it in your life. It is this wisdom which calls out for us to 'gain understanding'. It is this wisdom to which James refers when he tells us to simply ask God for it, and it will be provided. Is this wisdom what you struggle towards in your daily life?

With this understanding of wisdom clear in your mind, pray now to your Creator, the one who provides for all our needs, and sustains everything around us; ask Him to provide you with wisdom to serve Him better, in everything you do.