Pro 1:2-7 To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth— Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction
Proverbs 4:5-7 Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.
Proverbs 16:16 How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
Proverbs 8:10-11 Take my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is better than jewels, and all that you may desire cannot compare with her.
Proverbs 17:16 Why should a fool have money in his hand to buy wisdom when he has no sense?
Deuteronomy 4:5-6 See, I have taught you statutes and rules, as the LORD my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are entering to take possession of it. Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’
2 Timothy 3:15-17 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Proverbs 2:1-9 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it 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; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path;
Job 22:22 Receive instruction from his mouth, and lay up his words in your heart.
Proverbs 9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
Job 34:10 “Therefore, hear me, you men of understanding: far be it from God that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty that he should do wrong.
Job 34:16 “If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say.
Psalms 119:98-100 Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.
2 Chronicles 25:16 “I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this and have not listened to my counsel.”
Psalms 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
Psalms 112:1 Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who greatly delights in his commandments!
Ecclesiastes 12:13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
Proverbs 1:22 “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?
Proverbs 1:29-30 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof,
Proverbs 5:12-13 and you say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors.
Proverbs 15:5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.
Proverbs 18:2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.
Romans 1:28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
John 3:18-21 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
“We have more illumination than our Christian brothers and sisters before us and walk in less light than ever.” That is true because we often seek human counsel when God wants us to pursue His. ªHavnerº
Biblical wisdom comes from the proper use of biblical knowledge. It gives insight and good judgment, but you must be receptive to instruction to receive it. Do you want to live wisely? Be teachable and open to guidance. Determine to take a firm grip on God’s Word and follow His commands—even when difficult—and you will understand the right and profitable way.
According to the Bible, God’s wisdom is unfathomable! “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God” (Romans 11:33). Are you considering a new ministry endeavor?Do you want to repair a relationship or start a new one? Or are you at a crossroads and wondering which way to go? God alone is the One to turn to because He promises to give liberally wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5).
His thoughts toward you are of peace, to give you a future and a hope, to bring your life to a full and complete end. Seek Him! (Hibbs)
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Worldly (non-heavenly minded, or non-God fearing, or non-God glorifying or honoring) people will tell you many things about wisdom and how to gain it apart from God.
Self-knowledge (know your strengths and weaknesses)
Emotional intelligence (understanding of others)
Sound judgment (seeing beyond the surface into the complexity of situations)
Life knowledge (accrues through life’s experiences)
Life skills (practical application of knowledge)
Willingness to learn (Recognize the limitations of your own knowledge and understanding and be open to instruction)
Wisdom is recognized as good within the worldly realm. This wisdom bases this on worldly values, cultural norms, and what a person can obtain on their own through dedication and hard work. Just because a person is “Worldly Wise” and “Worldly Successful” does not make them examples we should immolate.
The world will tell you of the benefits of its wisdom.
Improved decision-making (reducing stress and regret)
Greater clarity and understanding (navigate complex situations)
Enhanced adaptability and resilience (sense of calm and resilience)
Inner peace and well-being (deeper sense of contentment)
Personal growth (fulfilling and meaningful life)
Self-improvement (self-awareness)
Wisdom compared to knowledge and understanding is recognized within the worldly as; “Wisdom is the ability to apply your knowledge and understanding in order to cultivate sound judgment, make good decisions, and create a meaningful life. While knowledge and understanding can be measured with tests, wisdom is often seen only through the outcomes of our behavior, our responses to situations, or our life choices.”
Other worldly comments on Wisdom -You have to reflect on your experiences and learn from them to gain wisdom. Some people are naturally wise.
There is no recognition of God, God’s Word, Things of God, or Godly knowledge, understanding, and wisdom.
The world says “knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”
God’s Word says “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom”
Godly wisdom does not come to us apart from God’s Word. Busyness of life can keep us from His Word and the peace, joy, rest, and hope, found in it. Can you imagine what our lives would be like if we were to ask God to give us discernment and wisdom between worldly and heavenly? Would our lives change? Would there be anxiousness, fear, worry, hate, jealousy, greed, pride, etc…..? Would people see a difference in how we live? Would our families see a difference in how we act? Would our ears be open to the Holy Spirit’s leading, guidance, discernment, knowledge, and understanding of God, God’s Word, Things of God, and what is worldly and fleshly? How much of our life is wasted on worldly wisdom?
There is contentment, peace, joy, and hope that is only found in God-given Godly wisdom.
