God's Wisdom And How To Receive It
When the Bible speaks
of wisdom it is not just IQ points.
Wisdom is the knowledge and ability to live a prosperous life both in this world
and the next.
Thus 1 Corinthians says "Christ has become our wisdom.." (1 Corinthians
1:30) because through Him alone we receive the knowledge and ability to be saved,
to inherit God's blessings and receive eternal life.
(John 17:3 NKJV) "And this is eternal life, that they may know You,
the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
Einstein's Theory of Relativity cannot do any of these things for us (neither
does it claim to) - while scientific knowledge is good and wise and helps us
prosper it is not the ultimate wisdom that is practical and successful in eternal
things. God's wisdom also helps us to prosper materially and in our relationships
as Proverbs makes abundantly clear.
(Prov 3:13-18 NKJV) Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains
understanding; {14} For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold. {15} She is more precious than rubies, And all
the things you may desire cannot compare with her. {16} Length of days is in
her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor. {17} Her ways are ways of
pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. {18} She is a tree of life to those
who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.
So understanding the wisdom of God and receiving and implementing it are
fundamental to a spiritually, materially and relationally prosperous existence.
The following table gives you nine points about wisdom and the Scriptures to
back them up. Search the Scriptures and use it as a personal Bible study!
Point |
Scripture References |
1. Spirit-filled people are recognized through their godly wisdom. |
Genesis 41:38 Daniel 4:8,9 Isaiah 11:1,2 Acts 6:3 |
2. Wisdom comes through correct relationship with God. |
Deut 4:5,6 Proverbs 1:7 James 3:17 1 Corinthians 1:24,30 2:10-16 |
3. Wisdom must be sought after and asked for in faith. |
Matthew 7:7, Proverbs 8:17, James 1:5-8 Ephesians 1:17 |
4. Wisdom is obstructed by selfish ambition, envy, laziness and intellectual pride. |
James 3:15,16 Proverbs 26:12-16 |
5. The Holy Spirit is a Teacher who imparts wisdom. |
Isaiah 11:1,2; John 14:26; 1 John 2:20,27; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16 |
6. This wisdom encompasses all of life including daily practical things. |
Isaiah 28:23-29 1 Jn 2:20,27 |
7. The key to receiving more wisdom is faith followed by diligent implementation. |
James 1:5-8 Deut 4:6 (NRSV) Proverbs 8:17, 13:4, 21:5 Matthew 7:7, 13:11,12 |
8. When you receive God's wisdom it can sometimes just seem like "a good workable idea" it doesn't necessarily have fireworks attached. |
Isaiah 28:23-29 |
9. Follow the example of good implementers of God's wisdom who built on what they received. |
Bezalel - Exodus 31:3-6 Paul - Acts 26:19,20 |
This article may be freely reproduced for non-profit ministry purposes but may not be sold in any way. For permission to use articles in your ministry, e-mail the editor, John Edmiston at johned@aibi.ph.