“If you desire to grow in wisdom, then continue to grow in Christ. He is the wisdom of God.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today –August 16, 2023
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111:10… Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. Psalm 119:98-99
God gives wisdom. He gives wisdom, not to the proud of heart who want to be known as wise. Those whose egos covet being the expert who steps in to clear up matters with his wise advice. Deceived is the person who secretly thinks he is wise of heart, only to be a proud poser who foolishly speaks from a head of information without a heart of humility. Knowledge without Holy Spirit inspiration can lead seeking souls down a path of self-reliance…just work harder or self-condemnation…you are not good enough or worthy of God’s blessings. Authentic wisdom leads you to seek the Lord with a humble heart and to embrace and celebrate His commands.
Don’t you admire those in your life that have more questions than answers? Their goal is not to be your guru…but instead to get you to God. Wise friends serve as a spiritual doula to coach, encourage and remind you that God’s ways are not your ways, and He is looking to give good gifts to His children who love and fear Him with humble hearts. Helpful questions from wise guides help you discover the best path forward. Questions like, “What is the Lord’s heart for you right now?” “What choice will best facilitate your spiritual growth and love for your family?” “Which process and outcomes will give God the most glory?” “In silence and solitude, what is the Spirit saying to your heart?” God’s wisdom seems to flow freely to humble, teachable hearts.
J.I. Packer, in his classic Knowing God, offers helpful insights into obtaining wisdom:
As a hostess, wisdom summons the needy to her banquet, ‘Let all who are simple come in here!’ (Proverbs 9:4). The emphasis throughout is upon God’s readiness to give wisdom (pictured as wisdom’s readiness to give herself) to all who desire the gift and will take the steps necessary to obtain it…Not till we have become humble and teachable, standing in awe of God’s holiness and sovereignty, acknowledging our own littleness, distrusting our own thoughts, and willing to have our minds turned upside down, can divine wisdom be ours…Wisdom is divinely wrought in those, and those only, who apply themselves to God’s revelation. ‘Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. (Psalm 119:98-99)
If you desire to grow in wisdom, then continue to grow in Christ. He is the wisdom of God. His life. His words. His works. His worship. His humility. His obedience. His love. All of Jesus is all of wisdom. Your generous Father is eager to expose your humble heart to His knowledge and understanding. As Proverbs illustrates, wisdom is your hostess to greet and guide you to her beautiful banquet full of appetizing delight. A smorgasbord of insights into what’s needed to draw you closer to Christ and to those who know you the best and love you the most. Wisdom is only to be used as a weapon to defeat the enemy with prayer, love, and truth. And for those who are fellow wisdom seekers…wisdom is a connector to one another’s hearts to grow in gentleness, patience, empathy, and love for one another. James paints wisdom’s portrait in brilliant colors:
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere… If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 3:17, 1:5).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grow my heart of humility to gain a heart of wisdom for your glory through Christ’s love, and in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application
Write out questions that are helpful to guide you and others to grow in wisdom.
Related Reading
Nehemiah 1:5; Proverbs 15:33; Colossians 3:16; 2 Timothy 3:15-17
Worship Resource
Hillsong Worship: Christ is Enough
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