A basic definition of wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge and experience to decisions and actions.
We admire the wise, usually older, believers in our lives. We seek their counsel, but are we listening? Too often we seek validation under the guise of asking for advice. I guess you could say we’d rather feel better, than be better.
Even when we truly crave and submit to the wisdom of godly mentors, too many of us feel inadequate to become a godly mentor. What should we do about that? How can we grow in wisdom?
Grow in Wisdom
We kick off June’s Listen When He Speaks reading list with James’ assurance that God gives wisdom when we ask for it. James also tells us that when we ask God for wisdom, we need to believe He will give it. I don’t want to be like a wave tossed about in a restless ocean, but too often I am. If God says it, He will do it; I should not doubt.
If God says it, He will do it; I should not doubt. #askforwisdom Share on X
While we need to ask and believe, Scripture also tells us to seek and pursue wisdom, and the knowledge that leads to it. This starts with God Himself. Both Proverbs 9:10 and Psalm 111:10 tell us that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
Fear?!? I’m not supposed to fear God; I’m supposed to love Him. Because GOD. IS. LOVE.
Yes, absolutely, He is. But when we fail to look at His amazing power, His holiness, His fearsomeness toward sin, we can’t really understand or fully appreciate His love. There’s nothing small or weak about it. Since God’s love can only want what’s best for us, it doesn’t always feel good. What’s best for us is Him – His will, His way.
God's love wants what's best for us: His will; His way. #wisdom Share on X
Believe Truth
Not everything we believe about God is accurate; not all we’re taught about Him is true.
Not everything we believe about God is accurate; not all we're taught about Him is true. Share on X
Studying the Bible is important. If you don’t God’s Word, you can’t effectively evaluate the teachings you hear or read. The modern Western church if fertile ground for the spread of false doctrine. Bible study isn’t a priority. Studying pretty books with others’ opinions on Scripture isn’t the same thing. Pair lack of knowledge with our desire to be comfortable, and we’re ripe for the idolatry of a God who exists to make us happy and Jesus who embraces our sin.
Rejection of the fulness of God’s holiness in favor of our small concept of love is… unwise.
Don't reject the fulness of God's holiness in favor of your small concept of love. Share on X
Listen When He Speaks is an opportunity to slow down, to learn about God and from God. Taking a few minutes each day to read the Word is a good start, but we’re not going to learn much and grow in knowledge. If we don’t know God’s Word or grow in our understanding of His character, we can’t apply what we know, to grow in wisdom.
Learn more about Listen When He Speaks here.
I hope Listen When He Speaks motivates you to be in the Word every day, and take time to listen to how God speaks to you through His Word, and apply it to your life. I also hope it encourages you to dig deeper in Bible study, either on our monthly themes, areas God speaks to you in through our daily readings, or by whetting your appetite for more. Our monthly reading list is just a tool.
Check out some of my favorite Bible study resources here!
We can never come to the end of learning about God. He is infinite.
Learn Together
This June, we’ll take a look at some of what the Bible has to say about wisdom. I pray we end the month with a deeper understanding of God. As always, the goal is to be made more like our Savior. Let’s grow in wisdom together!
The Process: Fear, Ask, Believe, Learn, Trust, Obey
How to Grow in Wisdom: Fear, Ask, Believe, Learn, Trust, Obey Share on X
The process isn’t linear. When the heart and source are God Himself, growth in one area brings growth in others.
Our memorization passage: James 1:5-6
Wondering why Scripture memorization is important? Learn more here!
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