We live in a world in which so many exercise little wisdom. It is no wonder that God said through John, “. . . the whole world lieth in wickedness.” God is not going to force us any of us to do the right things for He loves us enough to give us a choice (Joshua 24:15). We can do what is right, walk in His ways, and act wisely and receive eternal life in Heaven along with receiving all of the spiritual blessings that God can offer us in this life or we can live against Him which entails a hard life here and the hardest life in eternity in the flames of Hell (Matthew 25:31-46).
WHO ARE THE WISE? James 3:13 asks this same question. This verse says, “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you?” Then we read the answer, “let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.” Those who are wise are those who are pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy, according to James 3:17.
WHAT IS WISDOM? Wisdom is defined as “broad and full intelligence.” Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Having a total respect and reverence for God and then acting in accord with the Way in which He has called us to live is acting wisely. Wisdom is more than knowledge, while we readily admit that knowledge is required for wisdom. Wisdom has to do with how we use our knowledge. One might know many things, but fail to apply them in the way he thinks, talks, and acts. This would not characterize a wise man. The wise will exercise good sense in all that he says and does.
WHEN IS IT NECESSARY TO BE WISE? Colossians 4:5 explains, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” In our efforts to make good use of our time, we must always be wise. Since Christ was Wise in all things, so we must be always (Colossians 2:1-3, I Peter 2:21-24).
FROM WHERE DOES WISDOM COME? I Timothy 1:17 says, “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever.” We must acknowledge that to be wise, we must be godly.
WHY HAVE WISDOM? It is important that we walk in the Footsteps of Jesus as we are commanded, I Peter 2:21. It is said of Jesus in Luke 2:52, that He “. . . increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Likewise, we should work to do the same. It is important that we have wisdom.
HOW DO WE BECOME WISE OR MORE WISE? We must study the Word of God (II Timothy 2:15, Psalm 1). We must acknowledge and understand as II Timothy 3:15 says that the Holy Scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. We also should pray for wisdom. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Let us always act wisely and do all that we can as the church to fulfill the mission of the church, which is to make known the manifold wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:10).
-Jason Gann, TBC Registrar
