The source of wisdom

Wisdom is coveted by all and sundry: some for wrong reasons, while others desire wisdom for the right reasons. Unfortunately, we live in a society, where important governmental, corporate and even family decisions are taken without much wisdom. This has dire effects on whosoever these decisions are applied on. When we analyse the story of King Solomon and the two women, who disputed motherhood of the living child, it took the wisdom of God, which He had given to King Solomon, to determine the baby’s real mother.

Wisdom is needed for all situations, Proverbs 4:7 says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Wisdom is the principal thing. We need more wisdom, both in our lives and in our world. Think how different our world would be, if more people like you and I had knowledge of what is true or right, coupled with just judgment on the best way to act on that knowledge.

If more of us exercised better discernment, rather than follow whatever waves of passion are flowing without praying and thinking through, we would have good government policies, better legislations, sound judgments, justice and fairness. We could offer insight that would help stem the tide of foolishness that washes over everyone so often.

Indeed, wisdom is the principal thing. This means wisdom should be top priority in our lives. It should come at the beginning and be the starting place for how we take in and process knowledge. For example, knowledge is like learning about computer programmes and wisdom is the use of such computer programmes to carry out a task, for example, using Corel Draw to design a handbill. Wisdom teaches you how to use such programmes to create wealth.

Without wisdom, knowledge can be dangerous. Just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should do it. Wisdom teaches us how to process knowledge.

That verse in Proverbs attaches understanding to wisdom. Understanding is familiarity with something. It brings a skill in dealing with or handling that thing. Understanding is the difference between having a loose familiarity with something and knowing it intimately. Knowing what to do is good. But knowing why and how it should be done is even better. Understanding is the application of wisdom and life’s experiences, so one practises discernment in the wide variety of situations we can find ourselves in life.

We live in an instant microwave, Internet society that constantly looks shortcuts to get things done more quickly. But gaining wisdom and understanding takes time. We must invest the time it takes, if we are to become intimately familiar with anything. Shortcuts are not from God. The results of shortcuts don’t last. However, things achieved through God’s processes last, down to succeeding generations.

Wisdom is supreme. It is the ability to tell the difference between what is good and what is evil. Wisdom helped Solomon to discern between the two disputants over a given child and determine who the child’s true mother was.

In I Kings 3, God appeared to Solomon to ask him what he desired. He asked for wisdom. What percentage of people would give the same answer, if presented with such an opportunity? David commanded his son; Solomon to seek and exalt wisdom and Solomon followed his father’s advice.

Do you need wisdom? Our key text, James 1:5 clearly states that, if any person lacks wisdom and thus needs it, such a person should ask God for wisdom, and He will give it abundantly. I pray for you today that, as you ask the Lord for wisdom, wisdom will indeed be given unto you by the Lord. Therefore, remain wise in the Lord and in all your endeavours, according to the Lord’s will.
Today’s Nugget: Decision without Godly wisdom is faulty
Prayer: Lord, I earnestly ask you for wisdom in Jesus Name, Amen.
Prayer lines: 09078154261.
E-mail: evangelgospel@yahoo.com
Dr. Chidi Okoroafor, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria