We are all familiar with the word wisdom. It is used on a daily basis in our society. In fact the phrase “Wise decision” is utilized in sports, business, politics and military to describe a “good move or maneuver”. This good move or maneuver will most likely translate in a benefit for us.
Since I started reading and researching the Bible, I noticed that the word wisdom is utilized very frequently throughout the whole Book. In fact, there is a section of poetry and wisdom literature located in the Old Testament that includes: Proverbs, Ecclesiastes.
"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." (Proverbs 3:13-18)
This particular fragment in Proverbs 3 is very clear about the importance of wisdom in our life here on Earth. The importance of searching for the divine wisdom is also emphasized in the New Testament. Let’s look at a segment in James 3, regarding wisdom:
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." (James 3:17)
The more I read the Biblical wisdom literature, the more I realize that there are some differences between our common understandings of wisdom versus the biblical meaning of it.
Most of the time, in our society, the word wisdom is associated with being smart and knowledgeable in our careers or tasks. But from the Biblical standpoint is way more than that.
Wisdom is “the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding”. But I must add that the best course of action is linked to God’s will. In other words, what is it that God wants us to do in a particular circumstance or even more, how is it that God wants us to live our lives?
It is very important to ask our Lord for Wisdom because it gives us knowledge of how He wants us to act or face any situation. The end result will be a Happy Father and a sense of internal peace among us.