Despite the vast number of Bible references dedicated to the topic of wisdom, the topic itself does not attract much fanfare. Possibly, it is because the word “wisdom” is not used frequently in modern English conversations. “Smart” might be a word that replaces “wise,” or maybe “intelligent” or even “educated.” But these words do not measure up to all that the word “wisdom” encompasses. When words are no longer used, they become obsolete. Modern dictionaries give little to no credence to obsolete words.
While the word “wisdom” still finds its place in an English dictionary, and the word itself is not obsolete, it seems minimally used. Why is this even important? Words are used because they are on the minds of the people that use them. Words do not flow out of thin air disconnected to thoughts, meditations, desires, and affections. Scripture puts it this way: “…out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matt. 12:34). Therefore, using a deductive argument, people do not generally think about wisdom. It goes like this:
• What people think about, they talk about.
• People do not talk about wisdom.
• Therefore, people do not think about wisdom.
Another reason for the lack of focus on the topic of wisdom among the people of God and the culture at large is that wisdom is not often a topic of sermons. This is not a full frontal assault against preachers. The Bible is a large book, and a pastor may not often see the word “wisdom” in his text for that day.
But either way you look at it, this will have an effect on the congregation. The preaching of God’s Word is a powerful tool that God uses to change and direct the minds of His sheep.
The problem with all of this is that one of the key components that is missing in the lives of many is wisdom. Many people know what they ought to do, but they are not doing it. When someone knows what he ought to do, this is called knowledge. When someone acts upon that knowledge positively, this is called wisdom.
For instance, someone can know that he ought to love his neighbor. This is knowledge: knowing what the Bible says. However, when someone puts loving his neighbor into action in his day-to-day life, he will find that he is walking in wisdom. This is true of all of God’s commands.
This brings us to a crucial question that we must answer if we want to seek wisdom: What is the source of wisdom? Also, what will the outcomes be if I grow in wisdom?
The book of Proverbs has much to say about this topic. Proverbs 2:6-8 is the focus of this article.
The source of wisdom – God
Scripture says, “For the Lord giveth wisdom…” (Prov. 2:6). The source itself should be obvious. God is the source of all wisdom. No wisdom exists apart from God. Therefore, if the Christian wants to grow in wisdom, he must stay near to God and sit at the feet of Jesus.
God will impart wisdom, as the Proverb says: “For the Lord giveth wisdom…” God is a giving God and gracious toward His children. He desires to impart wisdom, but there is a way in which the believer must place himself in a position to receive wisdom.
The source of wisdom – God’s mouth
God gives wisdom, but how? Scripture says, “…out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding” (Prov. 2:6). In a typical proverbial format, the second portion of this verse builds off the first. Solomon starts by saying that the Lord gives wisdom, and then he moves quickly to saying that knowledge and understanding come from His mouth. In other words, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding come from the Lord, and they also come from His mouth.
What does this mean for the Christian? What do people do with their mouths? They speak. What do they speak with? Words. God’s Word is God’s form of communication with His people. If someone wants to grow in wisdom, he will need to know what God has to say about it. Out of God’s mouth, the Christian will hear what he needs to know about wisdom.
The source of wisdom – God’s storehouse
But does God actually desire to impart wisdom to the believer? Is He ready, willing, and waiting? Scripture says, “He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous…” (Prov. 2:7). God has a storehouse that is filled with wisdom and ready to be poured out to overflowing in the life of the believer.
One of the main problems is that people do not ask God to give from His storehouse. James says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). God gives liberally! He is very generous in His dispelling of wisdom. Did you catch the qualifying statement in this verse? James says, “Ask of God.” The believer must ask of God.
If a Christian finds himself knowing what he ought to do but not knowing how to do it, it is very possible that a lack of wisdom is what is bringing about the confusion. Christians must seek and plead with God for more of His wisdom to perform His will.
The outcome of wisdom – God’s shield
When the Christian has the wisdom of God in His life, the Bible says that God will be as a shield in the life of a believer. Scripture says, “…he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly” (Prov. 2:7). A buckler was a small round shield that was either held by the hand or forearm. It was typically held out at arm’s length and usually lightweight. It could easily be placed into position when needed. It would have been easy to travel with and therefore highly mobile.
In the same way, God will abide and travel with those who make wisdom a pursuit in their lives.
The outcome of wisdom – God’s watchful eye
While God will be an ever-present shield, He will also be as a watchful eye. Scripture says, “He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints” (Prov. 2:8). The Father pays special attention to His children, as He is the Shepherd Who keeps a close watch over His sheep.
In this life, there will be many paths that the Christian will travel, and there will be many ways in which he will go. David says in Psalm 139, verse 3, that God knows his path and is acquainted with his way.
God knows the path of each individual who has ever lived and ever will live. But there is something sweet about what is said about the wise man. For the one who makes wisdom a pursuit in his life, God will keep his path. In the same way that God keeps the Christian, He will also keep the path of that same Christian when wisdom is a mark of his life. He will guide the wise man and lead him. He will protect the one who pursues wisdom and will not let him fall headlong. God will preserve his way.
Application
Wisdom is found at the feet of Jesus. Do not be distracted by the activities, events, and experiences of this life. Sit at His feet. Learn from the Messiah. Open the Word. Pray for wisdom. God will impart that which you are missing.
Final prayer
Father, I thank You for showing me the path of wisdom. Continually lead me to greater heights of wisdom. I pray this for Your name’s sake and not my own. Show me what it means to be conformed to the image of Christ and to have His life evidenced in my own. I know that I am not all that I am supposed to be. Thank You for being merciful toward me. Thank You for being gracious toward me. Lead me in the way everlasting, and purge me of that which is not from You. I thank You for guiding my path and for preserving me along the way. In Jesus’ name, Amen