Wisdom Must Be Pursued

             Wisdom is not gained automatically or easily. God grants the gift of wisdom to those who seek him, asking for wisdom, and who are willing to pursue it. Wisdom requires study and meditation. Wisdom’s foundation is the faith in God that comes by diligent study of his Word. Since wisdom involves the correct application of knowledge in making decisions, gaining true knowledge is a foundation for wisdom. The knowledge leading toward godly wisdom is found in the Bible. Thus Bible study is the foundation for godly wisdom.

             Solomon wrote the book of proverbs to help his readers gain wisdom: "The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young-- let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance--for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise."

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." (Prov 1:1-7, NIV)

             We are encouraged to cry out for wisdom, "My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God."

"For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." (Prov 2:1-6, NIV)"

             God’s wisdom has been revealed in the man Jesus Christ, who has become God’s wisdom for us. As Paul wrote to the Christians at Corinth, "Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things-and the things that are not-to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God-that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.’" (1 Cor 1:26-31, NIV)

             Paul told Christians at Colosse that all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Jesus Chirst, "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (Col 2:2-3, NIV)

             According to the Bible, if we want to have wisdom we must seek it in Jesus Christ. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in him. All spiritual blessings are in him, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will- to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment-to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ." (Eph 1:3-10, NIV)

             Dear friend, if you want true wisdom, you must seek it in the right place. That is in Jesus Christ. As you study your Bible, look at Jesus, and put your trust in him. Then live as he taught us to live, and you will show wisdom to others.