—not as unwise but as wise
Summary: Wisdom is a word that describes a state of mind. We attribute wisdom to the things people do when they work out well. People who are careful how they live and keep their eyes on Christ do well.
How do you know if you are wise or not?
When Paul tells us to live as the “wise,” he clearly has something in mind. Perhaps he was thinking of the Book of Proverbs in the Old Testament writings. According to Proverbs:
The wise inherit honor (Proverbs 3:35) and store up knowledge (Proverbs 10:14). They listen to advice (Proverbs 12:15) and store up choice food (Proverbs 21:20). In the end, the wise bring calm (Proverbs 29:11).
Fools are just the opposite.
While the wise get honor, fools get shame (Proverbs 3:35). While the wise are busy gathering the facts, the mouth of the fool digs a deeper hole (Proverbs 10:14). Instead of listening to advice, fools simply do what feels good (Proverbs 12:15). While the wise store up provisions, fools can’t get enough to eat (Proverbs 21:20). Instead of bringing calm, the fool lets loose their rage (Proverbs 29:11).
The picture we get is clear. People who are wise are thoughtful and cautious. They are careful about what they say and how they say it.
So, how do we get wisdom? Proverbs tells us the “fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7). Fear of God is a good place to start. Proverbs 4:7 states flatly, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.”
That sounds funny, but it makes sense. It takes a wise person to desire wisdom. You might say it takes a wise person to realize they need wisdom.
“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.” (James 1:5)
So, how do you know if you are wise?
The answer is that you don’t know. The Bible says not to be “wise in your own eyes” (Proverbs 3:7, Isaiah 5:21). The essence of wisdom is humility. The wise person knows that God is in charge and that no man can compare with God in wisdom, knowledge, or understanding.
Wisdom kneels before God. Wisdom acknowledges our Creator is the source of all wisdom. Wisdom looks to the light of Christ that shines on us.
Application: Don’t expect to win a wisdom award. Being wise is all about looking to God for guidance.
Food for Thought: If we can’t know that we are wise, what other indicators can we use to tell if we are on the right path?
I think your words today are very wise.
If we can’t know that we are wise, what other indicators can we use to tell if we are on the right path?
James 3:13 ESV Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
James 3:17 ESV But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
I can really only echo what you have already said. If we want to know if we are on the right path we have to look at how we conduct ourselves. The evidence of wisdom is not something you can “fake,” It is present in your life, what you do and say, how you treat others. A good start is understanding that there is a difference between reasoning and wisdom. Wisdom is understanding that you don’t know everything, and turning to the One who does.
As you said, in Proverbs 21:20 “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” But didn’t Jesus also tell us in Luke 12 a parable of a man who wanted to “store up his crops”? That man decided to build bigger barns. In verse 20 it is said “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’” Almost seems contradictory. Not if you view it from God’s perspective. Wisdom is giving reverence to God. Wisdom is being thankful and asking “what do you want me to do with this?” It in greatest sense, God has given us our life and our will, and wisdom is asking Him “what do You want me to do with this life and will You have given me?”
Chris,
I appreciate how you juxtaposition the proverb and the parable. The point of the proverb sounds like “be prepared” to me. The point of the parable seems to speak more to greed and conceit. But yes, on the surface, they appear similar. I guess it takes wisdom to see the difference which means your words are wise, too. 🙂
08-25-2023, If we can’t know that we are wise, what other indicators can we use to tell if we are on the right path?
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:17
But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God
1 Corinthians 1:23-24
You are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.
1 Corinthians 1:30
We grow inwardly stronger by growing in knowledge of God’s word, which we apply to our lives Romans 1:16, 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Peter 1:5-8.
Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God. To receive Him is to recognize our need for Him, and call out to Him knowing He will answer our prayer. Acts of wisdom are humbly submitting our will to God, die to self as we allow Jesus Christ to serve and speak to others through us, by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Well said, Ron.
To say, “Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God” probably doesn’t make much sense to the worldly mind, but to the child of God it makes perfect sense. Thank you!
If we can’t know that we are wise, what other indicators can we use to tell if we are on the right path? Sometimes we can’t tell. We can try to bring glory to our Lord in our words thoughts and actions, but I know I fail and fall short. God knows our hearts our thoughts, intentions. Sometimes you are fruitful, sometimes someone makes a commitment how you reflect/shine the light of Jesus. Sometimes you just feel His delight. As long as you love your God with all you have and love your neighborhood as yourself, then your stumbling in the right direction. I’m just glad that I’m loved enough to be dragged down the path when I’m wandering the wrong way.
Tim,
Thank you!
We try, we fall short, we love, and we get pulled back to the right track by our Lord through fellowship with his family.
Nicely said!!