|
The Power of Wisdom
Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars. ~ Proverbs 9:1
Only recently one could not help but notice an advert featured on bill boards in some part of London. The advertisement simply said, “Do Not Believe the Truth”. It brings to bare the prevalent spirit of our day - a spirit that is rebellious. This kind of ideology is so rampant that even a cursory study of our modern society reveals the effects of this deficiency in wisdom and consequently on an individual level, shows the difference between those that embrace wisdom and those that do not. As a result, the destiny of not just the nation, but that of individuals is being tremendously affected. As a colleague rightly explains, “wisdom is rooted in sound teaching and those who obey it are rewarded accordingly”.
Definition
Wisdom can be defined as the application of knowledge, understanding, and discretion. It is intricately connected to that which is right, good and true. It is essentially very different from common sense, as even the word, common sense, speaks of something ordinary or widespread. Wisdom on the other hand is rare in people. It is not to be mistaken for craftiness, for there is nothing underhanded, deceitful or evil about it. But, sadly, many today fall into that error and pay for it grievously. Wisdom or a lack of it can be seen in the way we speak. For example the bible, (Proverbs 14:3 and 18:7) tells us that with his own mouth, one can bring trouble on himself, while on the contrary, the lips of the wise preserves him. Wisdom or a lack of it can also be seen in ones conduct. A good scenario is that of two friends who are tempted to engage in a criminal activity, one of them soon realizes the consequence and withdraws himself, while the other goes on ahead and is eventually sentenced to prison.
Reassuringly, wisdom is available to all those who search for her. In proverbs chapter 1:20 - 21 wisdom is personified and the following is said of her, “She raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses; at the openings of the gates in the city she speaks her words”. This literally means that wisdom reaches out in the open for people to embrace her and the benefits she has to bestow.
When it comes to receiving wisdom, those who need to enrol in her school can be divided into three groups. 1) The naïve, [who is simply ignorant] 2) The scorner or wayward, [who blatantly refuses to act according to their knowledge] 3) The obstinate or foolish [who do not want to hear the truth] Though it is generally believed that wisdom is to be passed on and received in childhood, it is also the case that we can obtain it at any other time in adulthood.
The Claims of Wisdom
From a young age, we learn all sorts of philosophies and ideologies directly or indirectly from the world around us. This adds up to what Apostle James in the bible calls earthly or human wisdom, (James 3:15). The apostle then goes on to tell us of a superior type of wisdom, i.e. one which is from above - That which only God, the giver of true wisdom can bestow. Hear what claims wisdom makes of herself.
In Proverbs 8:12 – 21, Wisdom makes the following claims of herself: “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge and discretion. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil, pride and arrogance and the evil way; and the perverse mouth I hate. Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. By me kings reign, and rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth. I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me. Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenue than choice silver. I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the paths of justice, that I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I may fill their treasuries.”
In the afore-mentioned biblical reference, wisdom’s cry to everyone to come and receive from her treasuries is unmistakable. Her benefits are clearly spelt out.
The Benefits/Value of wisdom
A study of the scriptures reveals to us the benefits of acquiring this important possession, wisdom. As we go through the bible it becomes more evident that without a relationship with our maker, man becomes a victim of his own whims, and hence is left without adequate resources to resolve life’s dilemmas.
Wisdom is what causes a child to listen to sage advice, so that he turns away from waywardness and is spared all it’s detrimental consequences. Wisdom leads us to plan carefully, and to guard our hearts jealously against the dominance of evil, so that we are spared unnecessary heartache.
We see that in wisdom, there is security and safety. However, like every other thing worth having, just desiring it is not enough. It has to be sought after. The bible tells us that, “Wisdom is the principal thing” and that in all our getting, we are to get understanding. It teaches that when you esteem her she will promote you; She will bring you honour, when you embrace her, She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you.” We learn that, the instructions of wisdom can prevent you from poverty due to laziness or lack of proper financial stewardship. She can save you from evil alliances and preserve you in times of trouble. Ultimately, she can save you from God’s judgment (Proverbs 10:2-3) when you choose the way of righteousness which is a major characteristic of wisdom.
Ways of getting Wisdom
By Asking
Anyone who disdains wisdom is like the man who puts hot coals on his lap. We can receive wisdom by asking God for it. In James 1: 5, it says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Right from the onset of proverbs, (1:23), we are given the invitation to seek after wisdom. God promises to give us the spirit of wisdom when we turn to Him in obedience. The all important maxim, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” is first introduced in chapter 1:7 and then repeated in 9:10 to buttress the point.
By Association
Generally believed to be the preserve of the aged by virtue of their experience, wisdom can be gained or imparted at any stage in life. Wisdom gained by association as a result of closeness to one who is wiser or more experienced than yourself. This often occurs in a mentor- protégé relationship or by one generation passing it unto the next. The parents in that case being the main depository of wisdom for their children. This can also happen directly or indirectly as a result of the influence of peers and friends. (“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” ~ Proverbs 13:20)
By Revelation - Through the word of God
The scriptures call the God of the bible the “only wise God” (Rom. 16:27) and as you can imagine, His word the bible is full of His wisdom. Hence this wisdom can be received or accessed by way of revelation through the medium of the Bible i.e. by a gradual unveiling of truth and knowledge of things that pertain to life as you read it.
It must however be said that you can only begin to understand the word of God and more so the things of God, if you have a close relationship with Him. To receive the wisdom of God by this means, invite God into your life today and He would give you His Spirit to illuminate your mind and enable you understand His Word and receive His wisdom more effectively.
The Counsel of Wisdom
In talking about the benefits of wisdom, we cannot help but talk about the warning wisdom gives to those who reject her: “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge. Turn at my rebuke; surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord, They would have none of my counsel and despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them; but whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.” (Prov. 1:22-33)
Choose wisdom today.
Francis Obasogie
The author regularly teaches on relationships, i.e. Man’s relationship with God and Man’s relationship with Man.
Similar articles can be found on the site,
|
|
