True Wisdom Comes from the Lord
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For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
-- Proverbs 2:6
“I wish that I knew what I know now when I was younger!”
I'm sure you've heard this old adage. I’ve been known to say it a time or two myself. But while time and experience are, indeed, very effective teachers, what is not always in this equation is wisdom, because true wisdom comes not from experience, but from the Lord, as Proverbs 2:6 emphasizes. I have met many wise people of a young age; just because you’re older does not guarantee wisdom!
In fact, as someone in the second half of her life, I find myself sometimes bypassing the Lord's wisdom and leaning only on myself when making decisions (even big ones!). Ironically, age often works against me, because I depend too much on what I’ve learned throughout my life. I also tend to move fast because I have a lot on my plate and make many decisions, so it can feel inconvenient to stop and pray for guidance. This leaves me open to many negative consequences and regrets.
I can testify that when I do confer with the Lord regarding decision-making, He opens my eyes to a much bigger picture. He gives me a framework that considers not only what is best for me but for others. As James 3:17 promises: “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” Isn’t this a beautiful promise?
When I 1) rush and try to steer my own ship for efficiency’s sake and 2) when I lean on my own understanding too much, I run into trouble. So, for me, growing in wisdom is connected to growing in patience and humility. I ask the Lord every day to help me slow down and be mindful of how I’m making decisions. Philippians 4:6 helps me with this: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” I also pray Proverbs 3:5-6 to help me lean less on my own knowledge and more on God’s: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight."
How kind and generous that the Lord invites us to ask for His wisdom in all decisions, both large and small.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Do you agree or disagree with me that wisdom is not necessarily dependent on age? Why or why not?
2. Do you relate to my struggle with relying only on your own experience and knowledge when making decisions?
3. How do you remember to stop and ask the Lord for guidance in decision-making? If different from the ones I list above, what scriptures help you with this?
