God Offers Us Wisdom

The Spirit of the Lord is "the spirit of wisdom and understanding" (Isaiah 11:2). Godly wisdom sees life as God does. Then godly understanding enables and moves us to respond to life as God does. Naturally, such seeing and living comes from God Himself, through communion with Him and meditation on His Word.

How frequently we wish for wisdom! Some times we experience this wish in advance: when we face exceptional challenges. Other times, though, we make our wish with all the glorious perception of hindsight: after we have made an atrocious mistake. Thus, today's lesson ought to really have our attention: Where and how to find godly wisdom. But first, why do you even want wisdom?

Some want it for right decision-making. They want the ability to handle the big challenges that require plenty of forethought as well as the quick decisions that grant little contemplative thought. This use of wisdom also enables proper responses, attitudes and advice. Few people enjoy making mistakes or being wrong -- they'd rather be wise!

Some want it for image enhancement and opportunity expansion. No doubt about it: People think highly of those who just seem to have the knack for saying and doing the right thing at the right time. Those are the people who get the breaks, who get followed.

Well, that's enough of that exercise! Of course there are many ignoble reasons for wanting wisdom; there are also many noble ones. We must remember that God's wisdom is only for the glory of God and the good of others. God's wisdom is given exclusively to those who desire to be "pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy" (James 3:17). Do I qualify?

So, having pure motives for wanting wisdom, how shall we find it?

Have pure motives! That's it! I know it seems repetitious but that's how God's blessed cycles are. Wisdom is given to those with pure hearts. Wisdom seeks those committed to it. Imagine something so good pursuing you, hunting for you!

Seek it. "Oh sure!" you say. "I can look and look and not find it!" Then you must answer some questions. Where are you seeking it? Are you seeking it first or are there higher priorities? Are you always alert for it? How much are you willing to pay for it? Do you look for it regularly? Is this the prayer of your heart? My friend, the pursuit of wisdom cannot be half-hearted if it is to be successful!

Don't get distracted. This morning I began the day as usual: seeking the Wise One and His wisdom. And this morning, as usual, I got distracted: Figuring out how to market my business more effectively. We've got to remember that the path to wisdom and the path of wisdom both have countless side trails, sideshows, and sidetrackers. So stay focused! Many of these distractions will not only take our attention away from our pursuit, they will also take us places where wisdom cannot be found. Reject wrong or inappropriate distractions. The legitimate ones should be shelved or made the launching point for the pursuit of practical wisdom.