Most of us realize that genuine wisdom is a quality of great value. We digest a bundle of facts and are exposed to a great deal of knowledge during our years in school, but we know there is a big difference between knowledge and wisdom. A common definition of wisdom says, “Wisdom is the ability to make appropriate use of knowledge.”
While the passing of years and the experiences gained thereby contribute to wisdom, old men are not always wise. Solomon was given great wisdom. In fact, “Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt, for he was wiser than all men” 1 Kings 4:30-31. He had it, but he let it get away from him. In Ecclesiastes 4:13, he wrote,
“Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.”
Most of us – if we are honest – are painfully aware of areas in our life in which wisdom is lacking.
What qualities come together to make up genuine wisdom? Can a person who possesses wisdom ever make a mistake? Come to a wrong conclusion? Change his/her mind? Can two wise people, having searched out the facts, reach opposite conclusions? The following acrostic reveals a few qualities that most of us would agree are characteristic of anyone who possesses wisdom.
Willing: A wise person realizes that important things are accomplished by those who are willing – willing to work, to “launch out into the deep” when the occasion demands it, Luke 5:4; willing to back away when the facts, the funds or the means demand it; willing to be patient and supportive of the weak, 1 Thessalonians 5:14; willing to study God’s word and then do it; willing to be an influence for good and shine “as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,” Philippians 2:15; willing to do what is right even if everyone else chooses to do otherwise.
Integrity: Webster says integrity is “fidelity to moral principles; honesty.” Integrity characterizes a person of wisdom, not only because of its value in the marketplace and in the presence of our peers, but because it is demanded by the word of God, Ephesians 4:27-29, Colossians 3:1-17. The person without genuine character/integrity is neither wise nor in harmony with God’s will.
Self-examining: Wisdom does not spend all her time passing judgment upon others, but rather, realizes one’s own flaws, Matthew 7:1-5. Instead, the wise will ever be evaluating self, refusing to allow sin and hypocrisy to discourage others, Matthew 23:14, Galatians 6:4. “Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves,” 2 Corinthians 13:5.
Discerning: Solomon asked God for “an understanding heart…that I may discern between good and bad,” 1 Kings 3:9. Any wise person will want to know this difference because the “wages of sin is death,” Romans 6:23. Such discernment is available and possible for those “who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil,” Hebrews 5:14.
Open-minded: Wisdom requires that one have a “ready mind,” Acts 17:11, but will use their discernment to screen out things that would weaken or destroy. New ideas and current thoughts may provide good insight for the wise, for those who measure every idea by the plumb line of God’s word.
Meekness: The quality of meekness is a combination of humility, gentleness, courage, submission, and strength blended with tenderness. A person who is wise will possess great vitality and power, yet has those qualities under control. Wisdom is exhibited by self-control and the proper use of talent and ability.
Each of these ingredients leads us to
Psalm 111:10:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” If you have knowledge, use wisdom in the
exercise of that knowledge, and always with the
“wisdom from above,” James 3:17.
