We’ve seen the charcteristics of a wise person, but what does it take to become wise? It doesn’t happen by reading a self-help book or by five easy steps, but by understanding and living by three truths. The first truth is
It Takes God
For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
To learn wisdom we first need revelation, but what kind of revelation? There is plenty of confusing philosophical and religious resources out there to choose from, but which one do I align with? Do I try something to see if it works? What if we’ve been sold a bill of goods and find out we’ve been deceived since the beginning. What if we’ve had a wrong view of God because of the wrong resources or because of our family of origin? As A.W. Tozer said,
“Left to ourselves we tend to reduce God to manageable terms. We want to get him where we can use him, or at least know where he is when we need him. We want a God we can in some measure control. We need the feeling of security that comes from knowing what God is like.”
It’s great when we know where someone is coming from, to know that the relationship is based upon trust and truth. Our relationship with God is no different. We need to know the truth about who He is and what He has said.
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7
The scriptures are abundantly clear that God has revealed Himself through His creation and His Word, yet it is not enough to just know this, we need to also walk in His ways. Many of us know this, but none of us have arrived, we’ve all blown it in some way.
Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16 The second truth is that
It Takes Others
We also need the wisdom and reproof of others. Their role is critical to who we are and who we are becoming. We cannot escape the truth that the scriptures encourage us to listen to others to become wise.
He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise. Prov.15:31
Others can help us with our perceptions, attitudes and behavior. Wisdom is not a ‘do it yourself thing.’ We need friends who can kick us in the pants when needed and stick closer than a brother.
He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Prov. 13:20
If we want to become wise we need to connect with wise people and pick their brains. Take them out for a meal, coffee or a hike. Just do it! Honor them with your questions. Finally
It Takes YOU!
No one can make you wise. While you can get an education at the best schools they cannot make you wise. Only you are responsible to grow wise, no one else. Wisdom calls out to YOU, “won’t you come listen to me?”
If you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5
How badly do we want to become wise? Those who seriously desire to live by biblical wisdom will withstand the adversity of our broken world and the shallow and fickle trends of our culture. They will dig deep in the wisdom of the scriptures. How about you?
Others and my self appreciate your comments.
Mark
