Dear friends,
In our pursuit of wisdom and understanding, we can often find ourselves lost in vast seas of information. As King Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 12:12, "of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh." Our quest for knowledge, while enriching, can also bring to light an internal struggle between earthly and spiritual wisdom.
How can we gain wisdom, and where can we begin? It is written in Proverbs 1:7, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." This verse lays the foundation for our exploration of knowledge from a biblical perspective.
To be clear, the fear of the Lord is not about being afraid of God but about having a deep respect and reverence for God’s power and holiness. It is the starting point in our search for true wisdom, that is, knowledge that transcends mere fact and gives us a practical application for living. If we are to utilize wisdom properly, we must first have a firm foundation in the fear of the Lord.
In our modern world, where information is plentiful and always at our fingertips, it’s crucial to discern the difference between what is worldly wisdom and what is godly wisdom. James 3:17 describes the attributes of wisdom that comes from heaven: "the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy." Looking for these attributes in the information we discover can help us discern what is true wisdom and what is simply noise.
True divine wisdom will guide our daily decisions, relationships, and understanding of the world. It teaches us to be gentle, peaceful, and merciful, reflecting the character of Christ in our interactions. For instance, when we are faced with conflict, this knowledge informs us to approach the situation with a heart of peace and understanding rather than anger and judgment.
Moreover, biblical wisdom requires an intimate understanding of God’s character, as revealed in the Scriptures. In Philippians, Paul expressed a profound desire for this knowledge when he said, "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;" (Philippians 3:10) To know Christ is to understand the depth of His love, the power of His resurrection, and the significance of His sacrifice. This knowledge can transform our lives and shape our values, priorities, and purpose. This is the first truth in the pursuit of wisdom.
In our daily walk, let us seek knowledge that draws us closer to God, and that shapes our character to be more like Christ. Let us not pursue knowledge merely for intellectual pride but for a deeper relationship with our Creator. As we grow in this knowledge, let our actions reflect His wisdom, showing mercy, kindness, and love in all we do.
Let this be our prayer: Lord, grant us the wisdom that comes from You, wisdom that is pure, peaceful, and full of mercy. May our knowledge of You transform our hearts and minds and guide our steps in Your love and truth.
