This week, we lay the foundation for how we can daily walk in wisdom as children of God. Proverbs 4:5-7 exhorts us, saying, “Get wisdom, get understanding. Do not forget nor turn away from her, for Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” Though the words ‘knowledge’, ‘understanding’, and ‘wisdom’ are often used interchangeably, they serve distinct purposes: Knowledge is the accumulation of information (facts) and truths; Understanding is the organisation and prioritisation of those facts and truths; Wisdom is the proper application of both – doing the right thing at the right time. Unfortunately, many today are information-rich but wisdom-poor. But as believers and disciples, we are called not just to acquire knowledge, but to pursue wisdom, which preserves and transforms our lives. Scripture gives wisdom a voice and personality, teaching us to cherish and exalt her (vs.8), because in doing so, she will keep us, promote us, and crown us with grace (vs.9). The things many of us chase, such as honour and promotion, are already found in wisdom. When we embrace and pursue her above all else, she lifts us in due time.
Wisdom is different from mere knowledge; it is practical and therefore becomes evident in the things we do. James 1:22 reminds us not to be hearers only, but doers of the Word, because wisdom is not proven in what we say we know – it is proven in action. This principle is powerfully illustrated in 1 Kings 3:16-28, where King Solomon used wisdom to resolve a seemingly impossible dilemma between two women who claimed to be the mother of the same child. Solomon’s call for a sword revealed the truth, not through violence but through discernment. So, in moments of uncertainty, when there seems to be no clear-cut choice, we must wield the Word of God, which is “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword …” (Hebrews 4:12). The Word exposes what is hidden, discerning thoughts and intents, just as Solomon’s wisdom revealed the true mother.
James 3:13-17 distinguishes godly wisdom from its counterfeits: earthly, sensual, and demonic wisdom are marked by envy, bitterness selfish ambition, and confusion (vs.14-15), but wisdom from above is “pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (vs.16-17). One way to judge a matter wisely is to ask yourself: Does this pass the love test? Love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:1-5, is the measure of wisdom in action. So decisions guided by heavenly wisdom must reflect that love does not envy, boast, or act in pride, but is patient and kind, and seeks the good of others. In John 8:3-11, our Lord Jesus exemplified this heavenly wisdom when confronted with a legal and moral conundrum. The scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, seeking to trap Him and have something of which to accuse Him. They said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses, in the law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” (vs.5). According to the law, both the man and the woman should have been stoned to death (Leviticus 20:10 & Deuteronomy 22:22), but interestingly, they only brought the woman. So, their intent was not justice or upholding the law – it was to test Jesus, “that they might have something of which to accuse Him” (John 8:6). If He condemned her, they would accuse Him of lacking compassion; and if He released her, they would accuse Him of condoning sin and violating the law. This was indeed a very technical matter to judge, but our Lord Jesus, being full of divine wisdom, responded: “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone” (vs.7). One by one, her accusers walked away, convicted by their consciences. And when Jesus remained alone with the woman, He extended mercy, saying “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more” (vs.11).
Church, this is the wisdom from above – merciful, discerning, and just. Wisdom shines brightest in the grey areas of life, where choices are complex and outcomes uncertain, guiding us through significant decisions and helping us discern the times and seasons (1 Chronicles 12:32). May we walk in such wisdom, filtering our actions through love and anchoring every decision in the Word of God. May wisdom not just be something we speak of, but something we embody and live out daily. Hallelujah!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that wisdom is the principal thing. We ask for wisdom that comes from above – pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy. Teach us to walk in wisdom daily, applying Your Truth with love and discernment. Help to embody wisdom in our decisions and actions. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
