Understanding Wisdom

What is the source of wisdom? Is it academic institutions?  If we want to be wise is the best method to gain the highest degree and be immersed in learning institutions, listening to teachers and professors?  Or is it experience?  Do we agree with Confucius? “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” Will Rogers had a more colorful adaptation, “There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.”

Job asked, “Where then does wisdom come from, and where is understanding located? (Job 28:20). He concluded, “But God understands the way to wisdom, and He knows its location . . . He considered wisdom and evaluated it; He established it and examined it” (vss 23, 27). The psalmist wrote, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His instructions have good insight. His praise endures forever” (Psalm 111:10).

Scripture teaches us that the source of wisdom is God and that our ability to gain it comes from revering Him. Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthian church, had much to say about wisdom.  Eight times in the first chapter he mentioned wisdom and nineteen times in the entire letter—he addressed this significant theme.[1]  
 
Meditation
1 Corinthians 1:30-31--But it is from Him that you are in Christ Jesus, who became God-given wisdom for us—our righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, in order that, as it is written: The one who boasts must boast in the Lord.
 
Pastor Brett Meador of Athey Creek in Oregon, noted how Paul realized during his ministry maturation that God’s power came not by utilizing or relying upon human wisdom, but rather preaching Jesus Christ the source and demonstration of wisdom. “My speech and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a powerful demonstration by the Spirit, so that your faith might not be based on men’s wisdom but on God’s power” (2:4,5).  
            
​We gain, understand, and optimize wisdom when we focus on pursuing Jesus instead of relying on manmade thoughts and inclinations. Our holy well of understanding comes from Jesus—the source and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Something to think about . . . in reveration!
 
Inspiration
For if God is wisdom, surely he must be the wisest man in the world who most conforms to the wisdom of God, who best obeys His providence, who enters farthest into His designs, and does all he can, that God’s will may be done on earth as it is done in heaven.—William Law in A Serious Call To A Devout & Holy Life

©2022 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box.  Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)

 


[1]https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=wisdom&resultspp=250&version=HCSB