The Purpose of Wisdom
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bustedhalo.com
Originally posted 11/20/14
Inspirational Thought of the Day:
If we ask Him for and embrace wisdom, our souls are set free to live an abundant life for His kingdom purposes.
Scriptures:
Ecclesiastes 7:19, 23-25
19 Wisdom gives a wise person more protection than ten rulers in a city. 23 I have examined all this by wisdom; I said, “I am determined to comprehend this” – but it was beyond my grasp. 24 Whatever has happened is beyond human understanding; it is far deeper than anyone can fathom. True Righteousness and Wisdom are Virtually Nonexistent, 25 I tried to understand, examine, and comprehend the role of wisdom in the scheme of things, and to understand the stupidity of wickedness and the insanity of folly.
Ecclesiastes 8:1, 16-17
1 Who is a wise person? Who knows the solution to a problem? A person’s wisdom brightens his appearance, and softens his harsh countenance. 16 When I tried to gain wisdom and to observe the activity on earth – even though it prevents anyone from sleeping day or night – 17 then I discerned all that God has done: No one really comprehends what happens on earth. Despite all human efforts to discover it, no one can ever grasp it. Even if a wise person claimed that he understood, he would not really comprehend it.
Job 12:12
“Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not life bring understanding?”
Proverbs 3:7
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.”
Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.”
Proverbs 3:13
“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding”
We have been exploring the book of Ecclesiastes the past few Thursdays and the purpose of monotony, time and wealth in the life of believers. Now my favorite subject – wisdom. Scripture pleads with us to pursue wisdom and yet places limitations on the wisdom we can attain. We seek wisdom fervently that we may understand how to live before God, yet we never grasp it fully on this earth. Where do we find this wisdom? Wisdom is found in God’s word, in Jesus, Who is wisdom, and also in the aged by the humble seeker. An older believer or mentor can guide you, but ultimately that counsel must also agree with God’s word.
The promise and blessing of wisdom is beyond value and unable to be gained in the flesh. God’s word infuses the reader with peace and truth – far better than the folly which the world offers. Living in ignorance might seem easier in the moment, but the fruit of folly is painful and never delivers its promise.
The irony in wisdom is that it cannot be imparted without being sought after. I pray for wisdom for my children, but realize they need to ask God themselves for wisdom. The best advice in the world falls on deaf ears unless the heart is ready to receive it. Sometimes we don’t want wisdom because we do not want to be inhibited, yet the limits of wisdom offer far more worth than the supposed deceptive freedom walking in folly delivers.
The purpose of wisdom is to give insight to the living, that our days may not be wasted and lived fully for an eternal purpose; avoiding regret and living without guilt from choices bathed in wisdom. Wisdom guides how we live and grants joy to those who live by it. Without it, we live in vain.
God knows there is nothing good in us, no wisdom we have on our own. He has given us wisdom, much like salvation, which are the most expensive gifts of all, yet free to those who recognize the value and pursue it. Do you need wisdom? God promises to give it to all. If we ask Him for and embrace wisdom, our souls are set free to live an abundant life for His kingdom purposes.
