Ecclesiastes 7:12
wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.
Wisdom is a profound attribute, often referenced within the
sacred scriptures and revered as a divine gift. It is not merely an
accumulation of knowledge or a display of intellectual prowess, but rather a
discerning and practical application of knowledge for righteous living. Wisdom,
in the Christian context, is the ability to see life from God's perspective and
respond to life situations according to biblical principles.
In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is personified and extolled as a woman of great worth, more precious than rubies. God’s word urges us to seek wisdom above all else, for she will guide us on the right paths and bring us honour and a long life (Proverbs 3:13-18). Wisdom is not a superficial or fleeting trait, but a deep-rooted characteristic that shapes our thoughts, decisions, and actions.
James 1:5 tells us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." This verse reveals the accessibility of wisdom. It is not reserved for a select few or the intellectually elite. Wisdom is available to all who seek it from God, who gives it generously and without reproach.
Wisdom, however, is not just about knowing what is right; it is about choosing to do what is right. It involves making decisions that align with God’s word and His will, even when it is challenging or counter-cultural. Wisdom is as much about the heart as it is about the head. It is about character, not just cognition.
In the Bible, King Solomon is often associated with wisdom. When God offered to give him anything he desired, Solomon did not ask for wealth, power, or long life. Instead, he asked for wisdom to govern God's people rightly (1 Kings 3:9). God was pleased with Solomon's request and granted him wisdom, making him renowned for his wise and fair judgments.
Wisdom is not a destination but a journey. It is not a trait that one acquires once and possesses forever. It is a continual process of learning, growing, and maturing. It requires humility to acknowledge our limitations and our need for God's guidance. It requires courage to make difficult decisions and to stand for truth and justice. It requires faith to trust in God's ways and His timing, even when they do not align with our own.
Furthermore, wisdom is relational. It involves loving God wholeheartedly and loving our neighbours as ourselves. It involves seeking peace and pursuing justice. It involves speaking truth in love and acting with compassion and kindness. Wisdom is not just about how we think; it is also about how we live and how we love.
The pursuit of wisdom is a noble and worthy endeavour. It is not an easy path, but it is a rewarding one. It brings clarity in confusion, guidance in uncertainty, and peace in turmoil. It helps us to navigate the complexities of life with grace, courage, and integrity.
As we seek wisdom, let us remember it is not a solitary pursuit. We are not alone on this journey. We have the Holy Spirit, our Counsellor and Guide, who leads us into all truth (John 16:13). We have the Bible, our roadmap, which can make us wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15). We have the community of believers, our brothers, and sisters in Christ, who encourage us, challenge us, and journey with us.
In conclusion, wisdom is a divine gift, a sacred pursuit, and a practical guide. It is a treasure to be sought, a virtue to be cultivated, and a beacon to be followed. As we seek wisdom, may we do so with humility, courage, and faith. May we seek it not for our own glory, but for God's glory and the advancement of His kingdom. And as we grow in wisdom, may we reflect more of Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions. May we live wisely and walk worthy of our calling, to the praise of His glorious grace. Amen.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You today with humble
hearts, acknowledging Your sovereignty, Your goodness, and Your grace. We come
acknowledging our need for Your wisdom in our lives. We thank You for Your
promise in James 1:5, that if we lack wisdom, we should ask You, and You will
give it to us generously without finding fault.
Lord, we confess that often we lean on our own
understanding. We make decisions based on our limited knowledge and
perspective. We acknowledge that our wisdom is flawed and finite. We need Your
divine wisdom, Lord, that is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full
of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17).
Father, we ask that You give us wisdom to discern between
right and wrong. Help us to make decisions that honour You and reflect Your
righteousness. May we not be swayed by the changing tides of societal norms or
pressures, but may we stand firm on the solid rock of Your truth.
We pray for wisdom to navigate the complexities of life. In
times of uncertainty, guide us. In times of confusion, give us clarity. In
times of turmoil, grant us peace. Help us to see life from Your perspective and
to respond to life situations according to Your Word and Your will.
We ask for wisdom in our relationships. Teach us to love as
You love. Help us speak the truth in love, to act with kindness and compassion,
and to seek peace and pursue justice. May we love You with all our heart, soul,
mind, and strength, and may we love our neighbours as ourselves.
We pray for wisdom in our roles and responsibilities.
Whether we are leaders or followers, teachers or learners, parents or children,
employers, or employees, may we fulfil our roles with integrity, humility, and
excellence. May we be good stewards of the resources, opportunities, and people
You have entrusted to us.
We ask for wisdom in our spiritual journey. Teach us to grow
in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Help us to
understand Your Word, to apply it in our lives, and to live it out in our daily
interactions. May we be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving
ourselves (James 1:22).
Lord, we understand that pursuing wisdom is not a simple
path, but we know it is rewarding. We ask for courage to make hard decisions,
humility to admit when we are wrong, and strength to stand for what is right.
We ask for faith to trust in Your ways and Your timing, even when they do not
align with our own.
We thank You, Father, for Your Holy Spirit, who guides us
into all truth. We thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a
light to our path. We thank You for the community of believers, who journey
with us, encourage us, and challenge us.
As we seek wisdom, may we do so not for our own glory, but
for Your glory. May we not seek wisdom to elevate ourselves, but to serve
others. May we not seek wisdom to gain the world, but to advance Your kingdom.
Finally, Lord, we pray that as we grow in wisdom, we will
reflect more of Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions. May we live wisely
and walk worthy of our calling. May our lives bear fruit in keeping with
repentance. And may all that we do bring honour and glory to Your name.
We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of
our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.