Hello again Graham, it’s good to be back! It’s been a few months since I came up with a question for you but today I’d like to hear your take on wisdom.
We all walk a very tenuous path in life and have to face the challenges, upheavals and diversions which life may throw at us. Some people seem to glide through life without any major difficulties while others constantly face daily battles, often due to ill health or seemingly just pure bad luck.
I think Google perfectly encapsulates what wisdom is: ‘The ability to use your knowledge, experience and good judgement to make sense of life and make good choices’.
Thank you Foundry pixabay.com
We probably all have our favourite sayings about wisdom. Some of mine include: ‘This too will pass’. ‘Keep your own counsel’. ‘Live your life as if each day is your last’. ‘We can all be wise after the event’.
I guess in the spiritual and religious sense, wisdom is connected to when people use sacred teachings, moral values and spiritual practices to live a good life. I know from your theological and life coach training, as well as your own personal life experiences, you will have researched wisdom as an important part of your studies.
Some very difficult questions to answer here would be what do you think are the most important parts of the Bible covering wisdom? Is there a section which is particularly devoted to the study of wisdom? What wise tenets do you live your life by and do you, too, have a favourite saying about wisdom?
Rev Graham Replies:
Hi Carol great to have you back as you ask so many relevant questions that have been share on this website over the years and I know have been read and appreciated by lots of individuals worldwide.
It’s interesting that you ask me such a question at this time because I am currently in the process of compiling a few Insights from the Bible around the topic of Wisdom that will be in six sections. 1) A Foundation for Living. 2) Worldly Wisdom. 3) Biblical Wisdom. 4) The Wisdom of Jesus 5) Personal and Church Wisdom. 6) Praying Wisdom.
However, as a prelude to such studies I welcome your questions: 1) What are the most important parts of the Bible covering wisdom? 2) Is there a section which is particularly devoted to the study of wisdom? 3) What wise tenets do you live your life by and do you, too, have a favourite saying about wisdom?
First Question
In regards to your first question, in general the Bible presents numerous life stories that reflect the wise and unwise actions of people in various life situations. The approach of one or another will invariably result in some wise and unwise outcomes with other results always going to fail from the start.
In the Bible we read of the obedience of Noah who built an ark in the face of ridicule and unbelief. The relationship between the twins Esau and Jacob with Esau unwisely throwing away his birthright. The folly of Judas in his betrayal of Jesus and later regretfully ending his own life. The ignorance of the religious leaders who believed the life of Jesus was folly and only their religious laws and practices were wise and pleasing to God.
There is an old children’s song that for me, reflects in a simple way the difference of wise or foolish living. One builder built a house upon a rock while another built his house on sand. Guess which house continued to stand when the flood waters covered all the foundations?
Second Question
To your second question we have the wise teachings of King Solomon who ironically, in his personal life with a full collection of wives and concubines, ended up quite distracted and confused and not very wise in his personal choices! In James 1: 5 it says: ‘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’.
Thank you bible.art
Then later on in James 3; 13-18 we find that there are two kinds of wisdom: those who are humble and live a good life. That compares to those who are full of envy, selfish ambition and boastful. Heavenly wisdom brings peace and order that contrasts sharply to a wisdom that is not from heaven and only serves to produce evil, chaos and disorder.
There certainly is a section in the Bible that is collectively known as the Wisdom Literature that includes five books; Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon, They all offer in combined and separate ways insights into how best to live life in the context of a relationship with a Holy and Personal God who is worshiped and followed alongside family, neighbours and friends
The Bible and World History is full of wise and foolish Kings and leaders. There are many wise and false prophets and teachers. However, there are more ordinary believers who have been guided by God’s spirit to make wise choice’s and engage in some actions that seemed unwise at the time, but resulted in good and wise outcomes.
We have the examples of Abraham, Moses and Joshua, Daniel and Hosea. The disciples John and Peter and other followers who were wise and unwise in different ways. There is the example of Simon the Sorcerer who thought he was wise to try and counterfeit the wisdom and miracles of Jesus but to no avail.
Third Question
Some of my own sayings Carol about wisdom include: ‘Be careful what you ask for’. ‘Be still and pray for wisdom and guidance’. ‘What would Jesus do in a given situation’? ‘Do not be double minded or speak with a forked (two sided) tongue’.
A W W, J, D braclet
In a very distracted world I find giving myself time to read and study the Bible very helpful for instruction. It is a source of guidance that has been proven over thousands of years by all kinds of Christian followers. I endeavour to maintain a daily time of devotions (a Quiet Time) to pray, be still and above all else try to discern the voice of the Lord, instead of just offering up a continual shopping list of personal requests.
I grew up in a loving and devoted Christian family with very humble but wise parents. I attended a beautiful church that was like an extended family for me, with lots of wise and godly Uncles and Aunties. I have had numerous Christian life models that have helped me to consider what might be a good life to follow, compared to other models and pathways that have resulted in unwise consequences.
At the tender age of thirteen I became a Christian and at nineteen I recommitted my life and was filled with the Holy Spirit. I asked for a measure of wisdom over long life and riches just like Solomon did in 1 Kings 3: 1-15, who was given a wise and discerning heart to govern his nation and work with his enemies.
It has been the foundation upon which, I would like to think, has resulted in a more wise and godly life. One in which I trust has been pleasing to the Lord and in my own way to be a simple witness to the power of the Christian gospel and wise rather than unwise living.
Takeaway
Within times of prayer and praise it is important to be willing and receptive to the voice and guidance of the Lord. It compares to all the clamour of voices and offers of advice the world constantly throws at us. It is good to share with others and seek a collective wisdom on matters that concern us, instead of just making personal preferences and actions.
Like most things in life the timing of decisions and actions is very crucial for success or failure. We all can easily make rash judgments and enter into quick actions. Giving space for further thought and contemplation about any judgments and actions may often result in a completely different outcome altogether.
So today Carol may we feel the love and wisdom of God who may grant us humility and an ability to lead and guide those around us. Also to know the riches that the Lord so freely wants to bestow upon us, that is not solely calculated in material wealth.
Selah: (Pause to think calmly on what has just been read) and check out A Time to Worship and Motivational Moments
Graham
