WISDOM (Part 1)

Alphabet, letters, vowels, and consonants formed into words, sentences, paragraphs, and books - spoken, signed, whispered, written, and printed. From friendly advice to impassioned speeches and from dusty volumes to daily tabloids, messages are sent and received, with each sender trying to impart knowledge ... and wisdom.

Woven into human fabric is the desire to learn and understand. Our mind sets us apart from animals, and we analyze, conceptualize, theorize, discuss, and debate everything from science to the supernatural. We build schools, institutes, and universities, where learned professors can teach us about the world and about life. Knowledge is good, but a vast difference stands between "knowledge" (having the facts) and "wisdom" (applying those facts to life). We may amass knowledge, but without wisdom, our knowledge is useless. In this age of information, knowledge is plentiful, but wisdom is scarce.

We must learn how to live out what we know. 

Proverbs 1:5-6: "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance - for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise."

 Wisdom does not come naturally. It is learned. Some wisdom comes by way of life's experiences; we try things. Sometimes we fail, and sometimes we succeed. 

Our failures should be a learning experience. They show us what works and what does not work. 

But many times, we can learn by drawing on the wisdom of others who are willing to share with us what they have learned. We acquire guidance. 

This can often be the better way to learn many things because we are spared the heartache of failure on a repetitive basis. 

But we must be willing to admit our ignorance and our shortcomings if we are to learn from others. Our pride must be laid aside and humility must be exercised. 

This applies both to natural wisdom and wisdom gleaned from the Word of God. Some kinds of understanding do not come naturally or easily to us. They must be explained and expounded upon by others who are more knowledgeable. If we are lacking wisdom, we must not be afraid to ask for it. 

James 1:5: " If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

 By wisdom, James is talking not only about knowledge, but about the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. (Part 2 to follow)