Journal Prov 24 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: “By wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established. By knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
A wise man is full of strength and a man of knowledge enhances his might for by wise guidance you can wage your war and in abundance of counselors there is victory.
(PS: Wisdom is too high for a fool…)” Prov 24:3-7a (the PS insert is mine)
Observation: Goodness gracious: I guess it follows that the Wisest guy on earth pounds on the subject of Wisdom.
Application: Distilling the definition of wisdom down to a base set of characteristics, I think a person could confidently say that wisdom is: Knowledge, experience, and good sense shaken up with a strong dose of discernment that ultimately is actionable; that is, a person can plainly see when wisdom is being employed.
My rule of thumb answer: I know wisdom when I see it, as well as I know foolishness when I see it. Here’s a thought that just came to me: Wisdom is cultivated; foolishness will flourish where wisdom isn’t pursued, i.e., foolishness may be the default characteristic of Man due to Sin. This will take some thought to flesh out but it kind of has a truthful ring to it.
How then can I cultivate wisdom?
The referenced scripture gives guidance:
- Get understanding;
- Get knowledge;
- Getting guidance;
- Abundance of counselors.
Earlier in Proverbs there is this to remember: Fear God.
Fearing God brings understanding and insight. From there wisdom begins to be established.
I have heard that “to fear” God is to have a “respect” but not to be afraid. This is far from the biblical testimony—fearing God is just that. Here is how I see it: I cannot approach God in my own skin—I would shake and quake and all sorts of things. Seriously, look how folks reacted with angels. I am going to do less than that with the God of all Creation?
So, if fearing God is the beginning of knowledge and the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom then it follows that the beginning of knowledge and wisdom is the fear of God, right?
Why then do I forget this?
I forget the Gospel as it applies to me as well. Getting wisdom is a process, just like the 4 points written above. Chasing down wisdom and all that is involved with wisdom is an everyday pursuit.
Prayer: Dear Lord God, I am howling over my lack of effective wisdom in my current situation. I remember that I primarily write these postings as a door into my own heart. Help me to be transparent and candid with how I conduct my life before You. I can do nothing outside of Your Grace. Help me to draw in more, moment by moment. AMEN