Wisdom Comes From The Lord
Proverbs 2 emphasises the value of seeking wisdom and understanding. By pursuing God’s wisdom, we gain insight, protection, and guidance. Wisdom guards us from evil paths, deceitful people, and immoral behaviour. It leads us to walk in righteousness and justice. Those who follow wisdom will live in safety and security, while the wicked will be cut off from the land. True wisdom comes from God, and seeking it brings life and favour.
True wisdom, according to Scripture, is far more than intellectual knowledge—it is a divine gift that transforms how we live, aligning our hearts and actions with God’s will. Proverbs 2:5-6 (NLT) reminds us that “Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Wisdom is not just an abstract idea—it is a gift from God, given to those who seek Him and revere Him. True wisdom is knowing God’s ways, understanding His Word, and living in alignment with His will for our lives. It is not about intellectual prowess but about living out divine principles.
James 3:13-18 (NLT) further unpacks what this wisdom looks like in action: “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honourable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.” Wisdom isn’t loud or self-seeking; it is humble, gentle, and pure. James warns that jealousy and selfish ambition are not from God—they lead to disorder and evil. True wisdom, however, brings peace and is “full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds,” always sincere and showing no favouritism.
God’s wisdom is the ability to discern rightly, a divine gift that allows us to judge situations and people according to God’s perspective. Proverbs 9:10 (ESV) declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” It all starts with a reverence for God—an awe that brings us into alignment with His truth. Proverbs 4:7 (ESV) adds, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.” In other words, we are urged to actively seek wisdom, for it is priceless and essential to living a life pleasing to God.
Wisdom is more than knowledge; it is living in the fear of the Lord, which leads to righteousness, peace, and eternal fulfilment.
How Do We Gain Wisdom?
Yet, in our pursuit, we also recognise that wisdom is a gift from God, freely given to those who seek Him. James 1:5 (ESV) reminds us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” This is a promise: when we come humbly before God in prayer, He is ready to grant us the wisdom we need, generously and without hesitation.
At the heart of gaining wisdom is immersing ourselves in God’s Word. Psalm 19:7 (AMP) says, “The law of the Lord is perfect (flawless), restoring and refreshing the soul; The statutes of the Lord are reliable and trustworthy, making wise the simple.” Scripture is not only a guide for right living but also a source of refreshment and restoration. It transforms the simple-minded into the wise by revealing God’s flawless truth.
To truly gain wisdom, we must fear God, diligently study His Word, and earnestly pray for understanding. By doing so, we learn to view life from God’s perspective, navigating the complexities of life with divine insight and discernment.