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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
Elements of Wisdom
Most of us would consider it a real compliment to be referred to as a person with wisdom. We may not be able to define that state in technical terms, but we “know it when we see it.” Well, maybe so, maybe not, but I recall a man in the Bible given great wisdom, yet one who made some monumental mistakes. The Lord had given Solomon the gift of simply asking what he desired as King, and perhaps having learned from his father, David, Solomon responded:
“I am but a little child: I know not how to go out or come in…Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?” 1 Kings 3:6-9.
When God heard Solomon’s words, He gave him a “wise and understanding heart,” but we learn from Solomon’s life that wisdom can be lost or neglected.
The passing of years and the knowledge gained therein may contribute to wisdom, but old men are not always wise men. Instead, wisdom is the combining of many different ingredients, and it is often available to men and women with or without either age or experience.
A person may be wise in one area of life, but foolish in others. True wisdom will have several ingredients, including the following:
Knowledge
This does not necessarily demand formal education, though that will be a plus, but this knowledge is the kind that sees a matter from beginning to end, knowing some of the pitfalls of an action and weighing them against the benefits. Knowledge of “right” and “wrong” is just as important as knowledge of physics, chemistry or economics. Without it, “wise” decisions will elude us all.
Integrity
While knowledge is significant, a person without integrity may violate the wisdom he has. Knowing right and wrong must be accompanied by a mind respectful of God’s verdict on a matter, and self-control even when God’s verdict contradicts his own.
|How often have we seen a man whose skill in business is brilliant, but whose ethics are weak. Recent years have provided sufficient examples of this that we should learn and gain wisdom from them.
Judgment
A wise man or woman has learned from their experiences that some decisions are fraught with danger. Some actions may not violate ethical standards, but are foolish in regard to the inherent risks. Certain intangibles accompany wisdom in most decisions. A Christian will always consider the consequences of an action as it would affect the conscience of anyone who might be influenced by that action. Paul spoke of this in 1 Corinthians 8:7-13 regarding the eating of food “offered unto an idol.” It was not wrong to eat, but the conscience of a “weak brother” may be violated, thereby causing him to sin. Wisdom avoids deeds that cause others to sin.
Discernment
Having knowledge and judgment is a good start, but the ability to discern between what is good and what is evil, or between good and excellent is also very important. Paul prayed that the Philippians would “approve things that are excellent,” 1:9-11. Deciding what is “excellent” may not easily be determined, however. Note Hebrews 5:14:
“Strong meat belongs to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
“Experience” assists wisdom, but careful thought is required for one to discern between good and evil.
Meekness
Meekness is a combination of humility, gentleness, courage, and strength blended with tenderness. A person with wisdom will not flaunt their wisdom, but meekness will characterize their interactions with others. When a brother or sister in Christ is “overtaken in a fault,” wisdom demands that correction take place in their life. But wisdom also recognizes such correction is best when accompanied by a kind, gentle attitude in the one making the correction, Galatians 6:1.
Self-examination
If we are wise, we will realize we are susceptible to temptation also. Paul had to keep his passions under control lest he forfeit his place in heaven, 1 Corinthians 9:27. He later wrote that we should “examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith,” 2 Corinthians 13:5.
Pointing the finger of accusation at others may seem to exhibit power, but we must first consider ourselves before we can strengthen others.
Each of these ingredients leads us to Psalms 111:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Knowledge will use wisdom in the exercise of it, seeking the “wisdom from above,” James 3:17.
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“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple,”
“Wisdom is often nearer when we stoop than when we soar.”
“They are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them. O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!”
“Wisdom is knowledge used effectively in the service of worthy ends.”
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Signposts of Apostacy
Anyone can “fall from God’s grace”. These are biblical warnings to help us avoid the pitfalls (1 Corinthians 9:23-27; 10:12).
- When we put others/things before God (Matthew 6:24; 10:37).
- No real urgency in our lives to save other souls. Hear lessons week after week and not approach others with the gospel, or not even feel the urge to do so. After Judgment, we’ll say, “Why didn’t I try to reach others?” Why do we feel differently about the gospel?
- Can we easily miss an assembly and it not bother our conscience? See I Timothy 4:2.
- When you seldom study the Bible on your own. We can’t be strong Christians by just hearing sermons and attending classes. I Peter 2:1-2 exhorts us to long, hunger for the word of God, Hebrews 5:12-14. Lack of Bible study makes us more susceptible to false doctrine.
- When we have nothing, spiritually, to share with our neighbors. We have so much to offer (Romans 8:29)!
- When we find fault with everyone and everything but ourselves (elders, preacher, song directors, Bible teachers, members, etc.)
- In referring to the church, begin to use the expression “they.”
- When we give little of ourselves, our energies, time, and money.
- When our conscience no longer bothers us. James 1:22-27.
- When sports or hobbies take precedence over spiritual matters. To make matters worse, in doing so, we show our children what is important to us. Matthew 6:24,33, Hebrews 12:1,2; Mark 8:34.
- When we associate more with those of the world than with Christians (“feel closer” to them).
- When we allow our job to take precedence over spiritual matters.
- When we become offended or defensive at the concern and interest shown in our spiritual welfare by loved ones.
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