For a long time I have wanted to explore in depth the subject of wisdom, particularly in the Christian tradition and how it applies in other religions and philosophical teachings throughout the world.
My approach will be to consider six separate Insight’s from The Bible over the next few months entitled: A Foundation for Living. Worldly Wisdom. Biblical Wisdom. The Wisdom of Jesus. Personal and Church Wisdom and lastly Praying Wisdom.
When I worked as a Life Coach I used my website Inspire2Achieve to publish various blogs, with a number published in my book Blog 51. So to start my study I thought there is no better way than to repost and slightly amend the blog Wisdom Is Supreme (24 September 2016) that is included in the book. I think it will help us to use it as a Foundation for Living that has always been well received and appreciated.
Wisdom
Wow what a subject: as vast and deep as the ocean, as broad and wide as the sky and beyond! I am reminded of an old song that compares a Wise and Foolish builder based on the words of Jesus as found in Matthew 7: 24-27.
The wise person built their house upon a rock solid foundation! The foolish person built their home upon the sand! When we build a physical structure one of the most important aspects of its strength and longevity will be how its foundations are designed and constructed.
In thinking about the house that is built on a sandy base, compared to the one built upon a rock foundation. I’m sure you know which house would stand the test of the prevailing wind, rain and storms?
There are many areas of philosophy, theology and self-help books that may offer us wisdom and insight for daily living according to our own belief system. Personally I find the Wisdom literature within the Old Testament a great source of strength and guidance.
In the Life Coach directory for August 2016 some of the key areas for discussion ranged from Business, Career and Personal development. Work/Life balance, Mentoring and Confidence. Health, Relationships, Finances and Spirituality.
In considering such topics people will want to review their foundational building blocks. To gauge if there is any remedial work that is required. To prop up an existing structure or to radically knock down and lay a new foundation altogether.
Pithy Sayings
The book of Proverbs offers a number of pithy little sayings for everyone that includes the Wise and Foolish: Wise people often get top marks for the great knowledge they have learned. Wise guys are invariably marked down because they lack wisdom in their life style. In today’s world we have more knowledge and scientific understanding of life than ever before but that doesn’t mean that we are wiser in our relationships and care for our environment.
Thank you pexels.com
Knowledge in itself is not enough to meet all life’s challenges. We require a wisdom that gives us the ability and insight to handle what comes our way expected or unexpected. In Proverbs 24: 3-4 it reads: “Through wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established. By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches”.
However, the way we apply them will certainly determine if we are wise or foolish! Wisdom offers us an understanding as how best to work within the given tension points that life brings to us all. There is a sense in life that Wisdom is supreme and offers a greater measure of security that the abundance of riches can never provide as recorded in Proverbs 4.
To Build a House
Proverbs 9: 1 continues to advise: ‘Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out its seven pillars’ and in Proverbs 1: 20 ‘Wisdom raises her voice in the public square’ with both offering help to those who seek her’. When we are thinking about purchasing or making a physical home there will be a number of things to consider.
1. To purchase a ready-made and perfectly finished apartment, house or glorified garden shed!
2. How much the property will cost and what cash levels we can raise!
3. To buy some land and develop it into a dwelling of our dreams, as an investment for the present and the future!
4. To consult others as to how best to buy or build!
If there is such a demand for specific understanding and application in establishing a material home, why is it that we do not diligently build solid relationships, career pathways, live a healthy life and achieve equilibrium in those difficult ‘tension areas’ we all carry each and every day.
Life Coaching
During my time working as a Life Coach my Coaching Logo was Inspire2Achieve and it continues today. It hosts my website that contains lots of blogs that I trust and believe can inspire and help people to live a Wise and Godly life.
My Coaching Motto was formed to encourage people to enter into the coaching process and see it as a ‘wise investment in daily living that may be returned with interest and benefit for the present and the future’.
There is a wisdom in considering what foundations we have built our lives upon and where necessary to have the confidence to rebuild them and enjoy the structure we live and move in. If we give time to embrace afresh wisdom and understanding then it will be interesting to see how much we develop personally and in all our relationships. So may you build on a sure foundation physically, mentally and spiritually in every aspect of your life?
Takeaway
In thinking about and reviewing all my working and ministry life, I have endeavoured to be compassionate, understanding and supportive to all colleagues and clients in an empathetic and none judgemental manner.
As a Life Coach and Minister I have listened and still do seek to help people who have a strong Christian faith, those who believe in other faiths and those who have their own philosophical and intellectual point of view. Interestingly enough I have often been asked: “Graham do you have time to chat and share your wise counsel”.
In that context it is about trying to listen to what is shared, to pray for wisdom and a spirit filled mind to try to understand what is said and not said. To then try to avoid giving direct advice and only seek to help the person find their own way to understanding what is going on and what attention and action is required. Then they should be able to make action plans so as how to navigate what would be the best way of achieving such goals over a given timeline.
Selah: (Pause to think calmly on what has just been read) and check out A Time to Worship and Motivational Moments
Graham
Explore to Inspire 
