Wisdom is as wisdom DOES


Yesterday I was talking to Priscilla about spiritual gifts.  I explained that one of the gifts is 'discernment.'  As I explained what it meant to her, in the simplest way I could I began to think through what wisdom really is.  Since she is studying Proverbs she has come across a lot about wisdom and the importance of seeking it out.  When I reflect on the subject of wisdom, always a little nagging discouragement grows in my soul.

Why?

Because throughout my life many people have complimented me on being wise.  I never really know how to handle that.  Because in some ways, I can understand why others view me as wise.  And since I don't need to take time to disparage their kind remarks I usually just say thank you and remind myself how very lacking in wisdom I truly am (and if they knew me and observed my life, they would probably rescind their affirmation!)

I get discouraged when I think about wisdom because I realize that though I can articulate thoughts and ideas and insights, and though I have these thoughts, ideas and insights - it may make me a discerning person, but when it comes to wisdom the way Jesus defined it, unless I live according to these good ideas, I am not wise.  And too often I know I don't act according the knowledge and insight I have.  I know it is good to not lose my temper.  But I do it anyway.  I know it is good to exercise self-discipline.  But I indulge the flesh anyway.  These actions are anything BUT wise.

As a kid we would sing about the wise man building his house on the rock.  Wisdom is not wisdom unless it is actualized - acted upon - used in real life!

Wisdom is not merely knowledge or insight.  It isn't even the same as discernment.  Wisdom is doing the things we know to be right and good.  I love that Jesus said, 'Anyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice...will be like the wise man building on a rock...'  To be wise we must hear His words and then DO them.  

When I ponder King Solomon and all his wisdom, I realize he failed at the point of actualizing it - he was prey to his flesh and desires just as all of us are.  His wisdom brought him acclaim, wealth, power, prestige - but he stumbled when it came to women.  Even with all his wisdom, the insight he  had lost to the foe of the flesh.

Lord, I am seeking your wisdom - and the power of the Living Christ to reign in me - to conquer my flesh - to DO the things You want.  Let me not be so filled with knowledge that I fail to exercise the use of such knowledge for Your glory.  I truly desire to be a wise woman - one who follows after You with my whole heart - let this heart grow in applied wisdom so that I may more fully channel your love to those around me.  Amen.



Matthew 7:24 “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them will be like a sensible man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of Mine and doesn’t act on them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 The rain fell, the rivers rose, the winds blew and pounded that house, and it collapsed. And its collapse was great!”

Comments

  1. This is so true, Sarah...I wrote a story about Solomon and how he lost the path.
    Thanks for sharing!

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