The Lord requires certain conditions of one who desires wisdom. The Psalms tell us to be humble, to recognize and admit our weak, sinful condition, and then to seek His wisdom. Psalm 25:9 “… He teaches the humble His way,” Psalm 111:10 “Reverence for the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, all who follow His precepts have good understanding.”
God councils us to “lean not on our own understanding” in Proverbs 3:5 and He asks us in Proverbs 23:26, “Son, give me thine heart and let your eyes keep my ways”.
We are told to pray, to petition the Lord for wisdom, James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not.”
To be “taught of God” one must be willing to accept our Lord’s instruction. Ephesians 1:8 “He hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mysteries of his will.” 1Corinthians 1:30 “It is due to Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.”
Wisdom is developed through a study of God’s word. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” We need also to meditate upon His character/teachings, and commune and fellowship with Him in prayer. Colossians 1:9 “continued praying for you, asking God that you will know fully his will, and that you will have wisdom and understanding from the Spirit.”
The follower, who sincerely gives his heart to the Lord, studies God’s word, prays, and strives to let God transform his life, will grow in knowledge and wisdom. His life principles will become evident in gentleness, mercy, goodness, purity and holy friendship. James 3:17 tells us that the wisdom that comes to us through the channel of divine truth is “first pure then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”
Spiritual knowledge properly applied to our life and conduct as instructed by God, will lead to wisdom. James 3:13 “Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.”
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1202: “Is Anyone Listening to the Wisdom of the Bible?”
Uncovering how true wisdom works and why it is so rare
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
Episode #1244: “What Can We Learn from One of the Wisest Men on Earth?”
Breaking down the incredible wisdom and life advice of King Solomon
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated CQ Kids videos
What are some wisdom lessons for children about God?
What are some wisdom lessons for children about our words?
What are some wisdom lessons for children about our character?
What are some wisdom lessons for children about our actions? Part 1
What are some wisdom lessons for children about our actions? Part 2
What are some wisdom lessons for children from the Apostle Paul?
