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Is our world crumbling? Anger is exploding, and our cities are rocked by violence. We have strayed far from God’s beautiful design for human sexuality. Ungodly policies are being promoted, and Christians are being silenced. If we follow the news, it seems that our culture has starved itself of wisdom.
But biblical wisdom will never be irrelevant. We need it more today than ever before. I would like to challenge each of us to grow in wisdom—in our own lives—and to intentionally influence those around us, especially our youth, to grow in wisdom. And let’s seek courage as well. Why? Because God’s wisdom is not highly esteemed by many, and we need courage to exercise it.
The only source of wisdom is God and His Word. We can be truly wise only if we are followers of Jesus Christ, who is Wisdom personified (Prov. 8). As we celebrate His incarnation and birth this month, we remember that He was given to us by the Father to be our wisdom (1 Cor. 1:30). A wise Christian is wealthy beyond gold and silver (Prov. 16:16). Christ-centered wisdom equips us for living life. Intelligence is useful, but this wisdom is essential.
How do we obtain wisdom? If you are young, be like Solomon. Of all the things that he could have asked of God, he chose wisdom. And God gave him many other blessings beyond. James encourages us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask it of God (James 1:5–8). Ask with boldness and faith. He promises to give it generously and without finding fault in us. So if we have been foolish in the past, God can turn us in a new and better direction. No matter our age, it is never too late to gain more wisdom. The book of Proverbs is a rich resource for this wisdom.
Wisdom enriches our lives. It makes us honest and keeps us humble. Wisdom controls sinful anger and nurtures self-control. It precludes foolishness and prevents shame. Wise people receive good counsel and are open to positive change. They have the fear of God in their hearts. Wise people are diligent, gentle, merciful, and peaceable. Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (perceptiveness) often go hand in hand. Wisdom sets a watch on our lips. It helps us make God-honoring and sensible decisions. A wise person loves God’s law and walks in His ways. He or she takes pleasure in purity.
Wisdom is beautiful. Treasure it. Share it with family and friends. Pray that the wisdom that God has planted in us will shine forth in our words, attitudes, and actions so that others will be drawn to God and seek wisdom for themselves and the honor will return to God.
Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. (Prov. 4:5–7, KJV)