Wisdom is a central theme throughout the Bible. Godly wisdom comes from fearing the Lord and following His commandments. Pursuing wisdom leads to many benefits in our spiritual walk, relationships, decision-making, and overall life. As Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV) states, “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”
Key Takeaways:
- Wisdom helps us grow closer to God and deepen our faith.
- Wisdom guides our relationships and social interactions.
- Wisdom gives insight for making good decisions.
- Wisdom leads to blessings and benefits in life.
- Wisdom teaches us to number our days rightly.
- Wisdom protects us from foolishness and sin.
Growing Closer to God
Pursuing wisdom enables us to grow closer to God. As our wisdom increases, so does our understanding of God’s character and His ways. We gain a heart of discernment to know God’s voice and walk in His will. As Proverbs 2:6 (NKJV) says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”
Wisdom strengthens our faith and helps us trust God more fully. Even amidst trials and uncertainty, wisdom provides steadfast confidence in God’s purpose and plan. As James 1:5 (NKJV) explains, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Asking God for wisdom demonstrates humility and reliance on Him.
Moreover, wisdom teaches us God’s values and priorities. We learn to see life from an eternal perspective. Our thoughts become aligned with God’s thoughts rather than the world’s wisdom (Isaiah 55:8-9). As we treasure God’s wisdom, we gain understanding and insight to walk in His ways.
Guiding Relationships
Wisdom greatly benefits our relationships and social interactions. Wise words bring life and grace to those who hear them. Proverbs 10:31 (NKJV) declares, “The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom.” Our speech becomes seasoned with salt, ministering God’s grace to others (Colossians 4:6).
Additionally, wisdom teaches us to love others well and live in harmony. We learn to extend patience, forgiveness, compassion, and care. As Ecclesiastes 7:19 (NKJV) states, “Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten rulers of the city.” Wisdom equips us to pursue peace, joy, and righteousness in relationships.
Wise counsel benefits friends and community. We can offer godly advice and support to those around us. Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV) says, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed.” Wise companions sharpen one another in love.
Within marriages and families, wisdom cultivates strong bonds and Christ-centered unity. Husbands and wives can understand each other better as they grow in wisdom. Parents also gain prudence and insight to train children in the Lord’s ways.
Good Decision-Making
Godly wisdom grants discernment for making sound decisions in life. We gain the mind of Christ to choose righteousness and reject sinful paths. Wisdom also teaches proper priorities, so we steward our time and resources well. As Proverbs 16:16 (NKJV) states, “How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”
With wisdom, we consider long-term consequences of choices rather than short-term gratification. This insight protects us from foolish decisions and moral failure. As Proverbs 10:23 (NKJV) warns, “To do evil is like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom.” Wisdom distinguishes righteousness from wickedness.
We avoid unnecessary strife and conflicts when we act in wisdom. Proverbs 13:10 (NKJV) advises, “By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised is wisdom.” Wise counsel helps resolve issues peacefully and justly.
Wisdom also teaches us to seek God’s guidance continually. We acknowledge God in all our ways, depending on Him to direct our steps. As Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Blessings in Life
Pursuing wisdom brings many blessings and benefits in life. As Proverbs 3:13-18 (NKJV) explains, wisdom grants happiness, prosperity, honor, pleasant ways, peaceful paths, and the tree of life. While temporal rewards are not guaranteed, wisdom often reaps blessings due to righteous living. As Proverbs 28:20 (NKJV) declares, “A faithful man will abound with blessings.”
More importantly, wisdom leads to eternal rewards. Wisdom applied brings great gain in the kingdom of God (Proverbs 4:7). As James 3:17 (NKJV) notes, the wisdom from above is “full of mercy and good fruits.” Allowing Christ-like wisdom to guide our lives helps store up heavenly treasures.
Wisdom also guards our lives and delivers us from harm. As Ecclesiastes 7:12 (NKJV) states, “For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, But the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.” Wisdom protects us from sinful paths and enables us to escape temptation. We can reject ungodly influences and walk free in Christ.
Numbering Our Days
Furthermore, wisdom teaches us to number our days and make the most of our time on earth. We recognize life’s brevity and seek to live purposefully for God’s glory. As Psalm 90:12 (NKJV) prays, “So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Wisdom provides eternal perspective amid life’s ups and downs. We understand that God’s works endure forever, while our struggles are momentary. With wisdom, we can endure suffering patiently and run our race with perseverance (James 1:2-4).
Gaining wisdom helps us invest in endeavors of eternal value. We spend less energy on meaningless pursuits and selfish ambitions. As Ecclesiastes 7:12 (NKJV) notes, “For wisdom is protection just as money is protection. But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors.” Wisdom shields us from wasting time on vanity.
Avoiding Foolishness
Moreover, wisdom protects us from foolishness and sin. Fools despise wisdom and instruction, heading down reckless paths (Proverbs 1:7). But gaining wisdom safeguards us from complacency and pride. We learn to walk circumspectly and avoid sinful traps.
Wisdom restrains hasty speech, anger, and strife. As Proverbs 29:11 (NKJV) states, “A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise man holds them back.” With wisdom, we exercise patience and self-control. We are slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19).
Additionally, wisdom shields our minds and hearts. We reject falsehoods, distortions, and ungodly counsel. As Proverbs 14:33 (NKJV) declares, “Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding.” Christ-like wisdom resides deep within, protecting our thoughts and attitudes.
When we stray in sin, wisdom guides us back to repentance. We become quick to confess wrongs and change course. Wisdom leads to merciful restoration rather than shame or despair. As Proverbs 28:13 (NKJV) affirms, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”
In summary, pursuing the wisdom of God found in Scripture promises rich spiritual benefits. As we grow in reverence of the Lord, we gain understanding and insight to walk in righteousness. Godly wisdom ushers joy, peace, and purpose into our lives. We can chart a course that honors Christ, eternal rewards, and the well-being of others. Wisdom allows us to live skillfully and wholeheartedly for God’s glory.
