Wisdom is one of the most precious gifts we can receive from God. As Christians, seeking out godly wisdom should be one of our top priorities in life. Why is wisdom so important, and why should we make seeking it a regular spiritual practice? Here are some key reasons:
Key Takeaways:
- Wisdom helps us make wise choices and avoid foolish mistakes
- Wisdom gives us discernment and helps us know God’s will
- Wisdom leads to blessings and favor
- Wisdom brings peace, joy, and contentment
- Wisdom equips us for ministry and to help others
- Wisdom strengthens our faith and draws us closer to God
Wisdom Helps Us Make Wise Choices
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As fallen human beings in a fallen world, we are prone to making foolish decisions that lead to pain, problems, and negative consequences. Godly wisdom is our protection against foolish choices. The book of Proverbs tells us:
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:5-6 NKJV)
Seeking out wisdom from God through prayer, studying Scripture, and heeding godly counsel helps us know the right decisions to make in life. Wisdom leads us down productive paths and helps us avoid dangerous detours and foolish mistakes. As we grow in wisdom, we become more discerning and able to choose what is best.
Wisdom Gives Us Discernment and Helps Us Know God’s Will
In a world filled with competing voices and unlimited options, discernment is desperately needed. Wisdom gives us discernment – the ability to judge well between multiple options and know what path to take. Scripture tells us:
“But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14 NKJV)
The more we seek out wisdom, the sharper our discernment becomes. We are able to cut through confusion, weigh evidence, and determine what is true, noble, right, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Wisdom also helps us discern the voice of God and know His perfect will in situations where it may not be immediately clear.
Wisdom Leads to Blessings and Favor
The book of Proverbs repeatedly states that those who pursue wisdom will be blessed and find favor with God and others. For example:
“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.” (Proverbs 3:13-14 NKJV)
While wealth and riches are temporary, the blessings and favor that accompany wisdom far outweigh material prosperity. As we seek wisdom, our character is refined and our ability to bless others grows. We become like trees planted by streams of water that yield fruit in season (Psalm 1:3). Wisdom and righteousness ultimately lead to rewards from God Himself.
Wisdom Brings Peace, Joy, and Contentment
A life marked by wisdom is a life filled with peace, joy, and contentment. Scripture says:
“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. Length of days is in her right hand, in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, and happy are all who retain her.” (Proverbs 3:13-18 NKJV)
While the pursuit of riches, status, and pleasure often leaves people feeling empty, the pursuit of wisdom brings deep and lasting contentment. As we grow in godly wisdom, we experience the pleasantness of wisdom’s ways and the peace of walking in God’s truth.
Wisdom Equips Us for Ministry and to Help Others
A key reason to seek wisdom is so that we can be equipped to minister to others and meet needs. Scripture exhorts:
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13 NKJV)
The early church leaders like Stephen and Phillip were described as being “full of wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Wisdom enables us to teach and correct with discretion, compassion, and grace. It gives us insight into how to serve and bless others effectively. Ministry flows out of wisdom.
Wisdom Strengthens Our Faith and Draws Us Closer to God
Pursuing wisdom is a vital way to strengthen and build our faith. As we study the teachings of Scripture and learn from godly mentors, our convictions are reinforced. We gain greater confidence in God’s Word and find deeper intimacy with Christ. The book of Proverbs tells us:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10 NKJV)
Seeking wisdom inevitably draws us closer to God in reverence, awe, and love. His wisdom solidifies our beliefs, anchors our faith, and makes our relationship with Him more robust and enduring.
Practical Ways to Seek Out Wisdom
Now that we’ve explored why seeking wisdom should be a priority, what are some practical ways we can do that? Here are some habits and practices to cultivate:
- Study Scripture daily – God’s Word is the wellspring of wisdom
- Pray for wisdom – Ask God to grant wisdom generously (James 1:5)
- Meditate on God’s commandments – Joshua 1:8
- Read books on biblical wisdom – Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Job, etc.
- Listen to teachings from biblically-solid preachers and teachers
- Seek out mentorship from spiritually mature believers
- Consider how your choices align with biblical principles
- Observe how decisions play out to discern wise approaches from foolish ones
- Submit your own ideas and plans to wise counsel
- Develop holy fear of the Lord as the beginning of wisdom
- Journal, reflect, and plan how to apply lessons learned
As we make these practices part of our lifestyle, we will grow into spiritual maturity and flourish in the wisdom of God.
The Need for Wisdom in Key Areas of Life
There are certain areas of life where we especially need God’s wisdom and guidance. When making decisions related to relationships, family, career, finances, ministry, and more, seeking out wisdom should be standard procedure.
Relationships
Dating, engagement, marriage, raising children, friendships – our relationships are enriched and strengthened when we apply godly wisdom. Wisdom protects us from foolish romantic entanglements and helps us navigate interpersonal challenges. Scripture gives excellent counsel on relating well.
Family
In family life, conflicts inevitably arise and tough decisions must be made. Wisdom enables us to resolve tensions, forgive freely, and make choices that benefit the entire household. Whether leading a family or caring for aging parents, we need wisdom at every stage.
Career
Seeking God’s wisdom is key when choosing a vocation, switching jobs, resolving work conflicts and more. We need wisdom to steward our gifts well, have a strong work ethic, and make ethical choices on the job. Wisdom helps us balance career and family priorities.
Finances
Scripture contains hundreds of verses on using money wisely – avoiding debt, generous giving, storing wealth in heaven, etc. With so many financial decisions to make, we desperately need wisdom to handle money God’s way.
Ministry
Wisdom is indispensable when undertaking any kind of ministry – preaching, teaching, leading, serving, volunteering, church planting, missions and more. All spiritual endeavors require prayerful reliance on God for wise guidance.
Health
Caring for our bodies physically, mentally and emotionally requires wisdom on nutrition, exercise, rest, stress management and more. Wisdom guides us to make prudent lifestyle choices that honor God and our health.
As you can see, godly wisdom is vital in navigating life well and making choices that align with God’s will. We should make the pursuit of wisdom a daily quest.
The Key Role of the Holy Spirit
As Christians, we are blessed to have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us to provide supernatural wisdom and guidance. When we received Christ, we gained access to the Spirit’s divine wisdom. Scripture tells us:
“These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.” (1 Corinthians 2:13 NKJV)
The Holy Spirit gives us insight into God’s Word and how to apply spiritual truths correctly. As we tune our ear to the still small voice of the Spirit, He will guide us continually into wisdom.
We should begin every day by asking the Holy Spirit to lead and counsel us. We can pray, “Holy Spirit, I invite you to fill me afresh today. Lead me into all truth and give me wisdom for the decisions before me.” As we rely on the Spirit’s wisdom, we will avoid much foolishness and walk in the knowledge and discernment of the Lord.
Godly Wisdom Versus Worldly Wisdom
As we seek out wisdom, we must ensure that we are pursuing godly wisdom rather than mere worldly wisdom. Worldly wisdom based on human philosophy and reasoning alone can steer us away from God’s truth. Scripture contrasts the two this way:
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17 NKJV)
“But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.” (James 3:14-15 NKJV)
Worldly wisdom caters to natural appetites, promotes selfish gain, and often opposes the things of God. It seems right by human standards but ends in death (Proverbs 14:12). We must examine the source and fruit of whatever wisdom we follow.
True godly wisdom aligns with Scripture, produces good fruit, and glorifies God. It focuses on heavenly priorities rather than merely earthly pursuits. As we seek wisdom, we must do so with humility, reverence for the Lord, and reliance on the Spirit. Only through submission to God can we access supernatural wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisdom
Here are some common questions people ask when seeking godly wisdom:
Where is wisdom found?
The primary source of wisdom is Scripture and the Holy Spirit who inspired it. God’s Word contains unlimited insights and principles for wise living. The Spirit gives illumination. God also gives wisdom generously when asked in faith (James 1:5). Wise counselors offer wisdom, but all human wisdom must align with Scripture.
What’s the difference between knowledge and wisdom?
Knowledge is information – the accumulation of facts and truths. Wisdom is knowing how to apply knowledge with prudence and discretion. Wisdom begins with fear of the Lord and deep reverence for Him. A wise person lives out godly knowledge in practical ways.
Can someone have worldly success but lack godly wisdom?
Absolutely. Many people attain worldly fame or wealth while lacking heavenly wisdom. Scripture warns that gaining the whole world and forfeiting your soul is extreme foolishness (Mark 8:36). Success from a worldly perspective is meaningless without wisdom grounded in the Word of God.
What should I do if wise counsel from others contradicts Scripture?
Wisdom that contradicts the truths of Scripture is suspect. As Acts 17:11 says, we must examine the Scriptures daily to discern truth from falsehood. No human counsel should be followed if it violates biblical principles or commands. Scripture is the test for all wisdom.
How can I become wiser?
The book of Proverbs contains 31 chapters of practical wisdom to meditate on daily. Studying other wisdom books and biographies of godly people gives helpful examples to follow. The wisdom that comes through difficult life experiences, prayer, and the Holy Spirit’s guidance can’t be replicated quickly. Becoming truly wise requires a lifelong commitment to fearing the Lord and obeying His Word.
As you can see, godly wisdom is immensely valuable but requires commitment to develop through spiritual practices. I hope these questions provide a helpful overview as you continue seeking wisdom from above.
Conclusion: Purse the Wisdom of God Daily
Living wisely in alignment with God’s truth requires much grace and diligence. Developing discernment, character, and competence in life’s most important matters happens overtime as we pursue wisdom. But the effort is well worth it. As Scripture says:
“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13 NKJV)
My hope is that this overview on godly wisdom has encouraged you to seek wisdom with renewed passion. I invite you to make the pursuit of wisdom through Scripture, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and godly counsel part of your daily spiritual rhythm. Set aside regular time to read books that impart wisdom. May your reverence for the Lord grow ever deeper as you discover the incomparable value of living life according to His wisdom.
