Yan Hadley spoke on the gift of godly wisdom last night, reminding us that this affects the decisions we make, the directions we take, the dilemmas we face and the destiny God shapes for us. Every Christian and every church needs godly wisdom not just to survive, but to thrive. The importance of wisdom is highlighted in Proverbs 4:5, but we need to be careful not to rely simply on our own wisdom but to have God’s wisdom to discern not only between what is good and bad, but between what is good and what is the best.
God’s wisdom has been in evidence even ‘before the world began’ (Prov 8:22-23) and Jesus shows us by His own life the importance of growing in wisdom (see Luke 2:40, 47, 52). Confucius said we learn wisdom by reflection, imitation and experience, but as Christians we know that godly wisdom comes from heaven (James 3:17) and is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, impartial, sincere and full of mercy. This wisdom cannot be attained through academic study alone, but is given generously by God to all who ask (James 1:5).
Godly wisdom is needed so that we respond spiritually to difficult circumstances. These will always abound (see John 16:33), but we need to respond spiritually rather than in the flesh when trials occur, being as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves. (Matt 10:16) God has promised perfect peace to us even in difficult times, but we need to fix our minds on Him. (Is 26:3) If our minds are set on the Spirit, we will know life and peace (Rom 8:6) and will have serenity, courage and wisdom to deal with all of life’s circumstances. Stephen responded to opposition and persecution with wisdom (Acts 6:10); this can be our experience too.
Godly wisdom helps us to avoid the pitfalls of deception and temptation. Whilst outward trials and opposition are obvious, some temptations and pitfalls are more insidious and less easy to discern. We need wisdom to save us from the ways of wicked men (Prov 2:12) and to avoid temptation (eg Prov 2:16).
Godly wisdom also helps us to be about God’s will. We need to actually do God’s will, not just know it – obedience is required as Matt 7:21-23 makes clear. Col 1:9 reminds us that God wants us to be filled with ‘the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives‘ and Proverbs 3:6 reminds us that if we acknowledge God in all our ways, He has promised to direct our paths. We need continually to make wise choices, as our choices decide our destinies.
Godly wisdom is also required for us to be effective in helping other people. As we have freely received from God, so we can freely give to others, being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19) We can be like Joshua, who was filled with the spirit of wisdom as he took over the leadership of the people from Moses. (Deut 34:9)