EXPOSE | Wisdom integrates the past and the future
“We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.”
– George Bernard Shaw
EXPLORE | Wisdom starts with the heart
Shaw’s comment on wisdom is important because it rightly integrates the past and the future. In fact, it can’t truly be wisdom unless we apply to the future what we have learned by experience to be true. For as it has been said, if we don’t learn from history we are doomed to repeat it.
I encourage you to take a whack at defining wisdom, but almost 15 years ago, I was provided a definition of wisdom that I believe captured the different facets of what it means to be wise:
“Wisdom is a continuous, skilled, sensible, and purposeful approach to life, by God’s definition and standards, beginning with the fear of the Lord and expressing itself in one’s behavior.”
Dr. Greg Harris, retired Professor of Bible Exposition and head of the Bible Exposition department at The Master’s Seminary
While I believe I have settled on a fair definition of wisdom, consistently living wisely is another matter.
I’ll be quick to point you to my About page in my defense. I’m on the journey with you; poking, weighing, examining, assessing–all in the name of understanding wisdom. After all, it is the basis for living the “right life.”
Part of the journey includes the verse-based review of wisdom in the Old and New Testaments, and Proverbs in particular.
In Part 5 of my series on King Solomon (Observations on 1 Kings 1-11), I focus on Solomon’s request for wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 says that it is “the fear of the Lord that is the beginning of wisdom”, which I believe ties back to Solomon’s humble, sober request of God in 1 Kings 3.
I commend the whole series to you, but before we explore the ‘way of wisdom’, there are three things I need to highlight here that I believe are crucial to becoming wise that play out in the request Solomon makes of God in 1 Kings 3.
Having the right heart to make a request of God
Solomon starts by expressing gratitude and thankfulness by recalling God’s faithfulness: “You have shown great and steadfast love…” (1 Kings 3:6). Then in verse 7, Solomon acknowledges his inability to rule and how little he knows about what he has been given to do. On top of that, he has been given charge of God’s chosen people (v. 8), who are “too many to number”–an overwhelming responsibility.
We’re only as wise as our ability to listen to (and obey) God. And we’ll only be able to listen to God from a humble heart. That is the foundation for true wisdom and is described as having “a hearing heart” (Wiseman, p. 85) and an “instinct for the truth.”
An Understanding Mind to Govern
From this heart of humility, Solomon’s first request was that he be given “an understanding mind to govern.”
“The most intriguing expression is Solomon’s request for a “hearing heart” (v. 9 RSV “an understanding mind,; NEB “a heart with a skill to listen”). The heart is the organ of thought and will in the OT. This expression implies a reason that understands, an instinct for the truth…”
(Nelson, 1987, p. 32)
With gratitude and humility, recognizing his lack of understanding and capability to govern, Solomon asks the right question of the right person: “God, please give me wisdom.” In other words, “Give me what I need to care for your chosen people the way you want me to.”
Discernment between good and evil
In order to rule fairly and justly, Solomon requests that he possess the discernment to navigate the sometimes very difficult task of distinguishing between what is good and what is evil.
We need to see the world as God sees it, and it requires that we know what He deems to be good and evil.
I can’t recall an instance in Scripture where God describes the battle as being between good and bad. Good is held as the highest standard. When God said of His creation that it is ‘good’, He was in no way referring to it as being ‘not bad.’ God’s ‘good’, that is, what is right, stands alone. It is pure. It is perfect. And, the opposite of the very best, is the very worst. Evil.
EXECUTE | The essentials for becoming wise
No surprise, becoming wise is a lifelong journey that requires discipline, commitment, and a willingness to submit to God’s will. More than just acquiring knowledge, it is a gradual process of growth and maturity that comes from a deepening relationship with God.
Having gathered a consensus from professors who have taught at seminaries like Trinity, Dallas, and Moody Bible Institute, we’ll see that the path to wisdom involves the essential aspects of studying Scripture, prayer and meditation, seeking wise counsel, character development, community, and practical application.
Study Scripture: first, they emphasize the importance of in-depth Bible study to gain a better understanding of God’s wisdom and character.
The Bible is the primary source of wisdom, and its teachings provide a foundation for understanding God’s character and will. To gain wisdom, it is important to read the Bible in-depth, and in context, while seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit in interpreting its meaning. The professors emphasize the importance of studying the Bible systematically, learning the historical and cultural context of each passage, and applying its teachings to daily life.
Prayer and Meditation: they recommend developing a consistent practice of prayer and meditation to seek God’s guidance and discernment.
By developing a consistent practice of prayer and meditation to seek God’s guidance and discernment, we express our dependence on God by asking for His wisdom and understanding. By meditation, I mean that we focus our thoughts on God’s Word and allow it to shape our hearts and minds–expelling any other notion of what we want it to mean or how we might feel about it.
Seeking Wise Counsel: seek advice and guidance from those who exhibit wisdom and have a deep understanding of the Scriptures.
This can include pastors, mentors, and other believers who have a proven track record of living out their faith in practical ways. Seeking wise counsel requires humility and a willingness to listen and learn from others, but also requires the ability to test what you’re told in light of God’s Word.
Character Development: develop character traits such as humility, integrity, and perseverance, by allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our characters.
Character development is a lifelong process that requires discipline and a commitment to living out one’s faith in practical ways. The professors teach that character development involves cultivating a deep love for God and a desire to obey His commands.
Community: being part of a faith community and engaging in relationships with other believers can provide support, accountability, and wisdom.
Community involves more than just attending church services; it requires investing in relationships and serving others. Because spiritual growth cannot occur in isolation, the professors teach that community is a vital aspect of growth and provides a context for accountability and encouragement.
Practical Application: apply the wisdom gained from studying Scripture, prayer, seeking wise counsel, and developing our characters in practical ways, such as serving others and using one’s gifts for God’s glory. There needs to be an output of all that input.
The practical application of wisdom involves living out our faith in everyday life and seeking to make a meaningful, hopeful impact on the world around us. Intentional application is the ultimate goal of wisdom, as it involves bringing God’s wisdom and love to bear on the world.
Wisdom is a treasured quality that is highly sought after, yet challenging to attain. It is not merely knowledge or intelligence, but a deep understanding and discernment that comes from a relationship with God. The Bible teaches that wisdom is a gift from God that is available to all who seek it.
As with Solomon, the key to our becoming wise is by starting with humility, acknowledging our own limitations and weaknesses, and recognizing that true wisdom comes from God alone.
Becoming wise is a lifelong process of growth and transformation that requires commitment, discipline, and a willingness to submit to God’s will. By our consistent practice of seeking God’s wisdom and living it out in practical ways, we can understand and apply wisdom in all areas of our lives: mind, body, and soul.
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Further reading:
https://www.desiringgod.org/labs/four-ways-to-become-wise
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References:
Wiseman, D. J. (1993). 1&2 Kings: an introduction and commentary. Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press
Nelson, Richard D. (1987). First and Second Kings, Interpretation, a Bible commentary for teaching preaching. Kentucky: John Knox Press
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