WISDOM

Webster defines wisdom as, among other things, the "power to judge rightly; following a sound course of action; the result of knowledge combined with experience and understanding; etc." However, Webster says nothing about the source of wisdom being a gift from God (Ex. 28:3; 31:3; 1 Cor. 12:8; etc). Nor does he say that wisdom is more valuable than rubies or gold (Prov. 8:11; 16:16). Webster failed to tell us that wisdom begins with the knowledge that God is to be reverenced or feared (Prov. 9:10).

For the believer, wisdom is increased through God's correction (Prov. 29:15). Having said that, it would seem unlikely that a person would pray for wisdom. It is sort of like patience; tribulation produces patience (Rom. 5:3), and who on earth would want to pray for tribulation? Nevertheless, Christians are told to seek wisdom from above (Jam. 1:5). Actually, the gaining of wisdom is the lesser of the two "evils." One can suffer through God's correction which is always done with love, and then be able to succeed as a believer in this world, or one can face the trials and difficulties of life with only human wisdom. James contrasts the wisdom of the world with that which is from above, and it is clear to see that man's wisdom's source is from Satan (Jam. 3:13-18). Remember who it was that told Adam and Eve that they could be as wise as God?

The opposite of wisdom is not ignorance. Ignorance is due to a person never being exposed to the truths needed for sound judgment. The opposite of wisdom is ignoring what one has been taught and using poor judgment, or being foolish. The most obvious example of one lacking wisdom is the person who denies that God exists (Ps. 14:1; 53:1). That is why the fool is able to live without fearing judgment. He reasons that if there is no God, then he can do whatever he wants. Failing to recognize the inevitable accountability before the Creator of the Universe, he believes he need only outsmart the authorities. And although the prisons in American are more crowded that ever before, their odds are still good that they will not get caught. Lawlessness is the realm of Satan, and all those who refuse to acknowledge the existence of God are destined to dwell therein (1 Tim. 1:8-10).

Proverbs 17:28 says that "Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise; and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding." Oh, that every fool would attempt to pass as wise! Oh, that every wise one would be a fool for Christ's sake (1 Cor 3:18; 4:10)! Proverbs 11:30 teaches that those who win souls are wise. In order to win souls, one must share with the lost the Word of God (Rom. 10:9-17). For God's sake and for the sake of those who need to hear of God's love for them, speak! Therefore, let all fools be silent, and let every wise one speak the truth in love; for this is true wisdom.