Godly Wisdom

By Jennifer Moreno

Wisdom is one of those character attributes that normally people aren’t too concerned of acquiring, but in fact it’s probably the most important attribute one can have in order to have good judgement. But the wisdom that I speak of is not the carnal wisdom that comes from man, but the one that comes from God, which is pure and perfect. Wisdom from man is earthly and with selfish ambition in someone’s heart, which is demonic and unspiritual. Man’s wisdom and knowledge instead of making someone humble it creates an arrogant heart. But God’s wisdom is infinite, through His wisdom He laid the foundations of the world. If you notice God says wisdom comes from Him, for He is wisdom alone. “Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have insight, I have power.” (Proverbs 8:14)

There are countless verses and examples of wisdom in the Bible, but the real question is how to we gain godly wisdom and how do we apply it? In 2 Chronicles 1-12 king Solomon has just become king after his father David died and he is now in place of ruling Israel. God appears to him at night and tells Solomon that he can ask him anything he wants and he’ll give it to him. Solomon could have easily asked for riches, wealth, fame, etc., but he didn’t. Instead Solomon asked for wisdom to lead his people!

Obviously God was very impressed with his request and God replied, ‘Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people — I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. BUT I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will EVER have in the future!”

What God wants from us is for us to align ourselves with His will. God doesn’t want you to become attached to the things of this world because those things fade away and have no substance. As you can see, all we have to do is ask for wisdom and be aligned to God’s will for Him to answer.

Jesus’s brother James wrote about wisdom and he pointed out 7 characteristics of godly wisdom and how we should apply it. In his writings James says “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the HUMILITY that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:13-17)

1. Purity: The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is without pollution because Christ is pure. We must be pure in heart to make sound judgement, this can only come from God.

2. Peaceable: We must always seek to bring peace where there is division. But aware to not compromise purity for peace, or to compromise sin to keep peace.

3. Gentleness: As Christians we must always be gentle with everyone in the way we speak and carry ourselves, we should always strive to be fair and considerate with others. And most of all we should be patient because God is patient with us.

4/5. Mercy & good fruits: God shows us mercy; therefore, we too should show mercy and grace to others. By applying this, your life will bear much good fruit and it will be pleasing to the Lord. “Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13)

6. No favoritism – We must be consistent and not have favoritism with others for whatever reason. Be fair, consistent in your decisions and unwavering.

7. Without hypocrisy/sincere: We must be sincere in everything that we do, do not lie and pretend. Being sincere, even if it isn’t always something pleasant you feel, it is better to talk it out than to hold it all in and never address a situation with that person. That my friends is wisdom!

So remember what proverbs 2:6 says “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” It is wise to ask the LORD for wisdom, for He alone possesses it and gives it freely to those who ask. Everything else will fall into place if you have wisdom. God bless you guys!