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God's Exquisite Garden
WISDOM
The word wisdom means knowing what is true or right coupled with just judgment; discernment. A second definition is scholarly knowledge or learning; insight. Another definition is precepts, wise sayings or teachings.
We read in James 1:5," If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask it of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."
For many people, when they hear the word wisdom, they think of the example of King Solomon. There are other examples, but he comes to mind, King Solomon prayed for wisdom. He wanted an understanding mind to rule well. The Lord granted him riches and a long life as well as wisdom.
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We see his wisdom in the decision he made when two women came before him, each claiming to be the mother of the living child they brought. One child had died. After listening to him he said,"Give the first woman the living child, and by no means kill him; she is his mother."
" And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had rendered; and they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice. "
I Kings 3:27-28
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The beginning of wisdom starts when we ask God. We need the wisdom to know how to make life's hard decisions and the inner strength to follow through.
Proverbs 2:6," For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.. "
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Our ability to act with wisdom is our implementation of knowledge to daily life. True wisdom will come from applying the Word of God.
We read in Proverbs 1:7," The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. "
With the information age, wisdom is scarce, but knowledge is abundant.
The fear of the Lord is the base of knowledge.
The principal " wisdom " comes from experience.
When we evolve into wiser individuals we are inclined to be more like Christ Jesus. As Jesus, we're able to grow in wisdom while we walk with God.
Psalm 119: 97," Oh, how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. "
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Wisdom can easily be compared to a compass. When we are hiking, we use a compass to aid us in finding the right path. It can also be compared to a map, to help us make certain we are going in the right direction.
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Proverbs 3: 5-6," Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. "
We are to ask God for wisdom to guide us in making our choices. Christians do not need to fumble around, with the hope of staggering onto the answers.
James 3:17," But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. "
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My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,
so that you incline your ear to wisdom,
and apply your heart to understanding;
Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
and lift up your voice for understanding,
if you seek her as silver,
and search for her as for hidden treasures;
then you will understand the fear of the LORD,
and find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
Proverbs 2:1-6(NKJV)
I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways.
Psalm 119:15(NKJV)
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God will grant us wisdom, but we are not able to receive it if our ambitions are self-centered and not centered on God. Our wisdom will begin with respect for the Lord God. This will lead us to live fitting lives in His service. An individual's salvation cannot stand in any human knowledge or wisdom of men.
We see in the Scriptures there is a definite contrast drawn between intelligence and wisdom. If a person takes the Word of God and applies it to one's daily life, that person will be known as wise . Many a knowledgeable person will make wrong moral choices.
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In this world, you will see many different values that compete with the Bible. Many situations may originate from the world, but we need Biblical wisdom to make right choices. With Biblical wisdom, we will lead productive lives in the Lord's service. To attain this wisdom we must ask God for it.
Children should be brought up looking for the wisdom only obtained from God. This will solve many disciplinary situations.
We read of the boyhood of Jesus in Luke 2:40," And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. "
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This wisdom will guide us in all aspects of our lives, if we live for God.
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 1: 2-3 , 7" ...To know wisdom and instruction, to perceive the words of understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment and equity; ... The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction."
We are told in II Peter 3:18," ...but grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. "
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DISCUSSION AND STUDY QUESTIONS
(1) What is wisdom?
(2) If we are to become wise, what do we need to do?
(3) Where is wisdom found?
(4) Why do people so frequently ask what they need to do?
Copyright 2007 Linda Lawrence
Lessons in this Series
Photos courtesy Stock Xchng, and Heartlight images
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