Proverbs 4: 1-9; James 1:3-8 (Proverbs 2:6)
An important image that comes to mind when you think of wisdom in Africa is that of a elderly grey-haired person. It is even more valuable when you imagine an older person holding a conversation with a younger person.
It gives hope that the younger is gleaning of valuable wisdom from the older. Wisdom is the foundation of any civilized society. While civilizations of the world differ in articulation, they are all held together by valuable wisdom passed on from one generation to another.
The book of Proverbs personifies wisdom and calls on the Christian believer to seek after her. “Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: “How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise” (Proverbs 1:20-23). As Christian believers we have been taught that “the fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment” (Proverbs 9:10). This means that whatever wisdom we may purport to have must be based on the fear of the LORD, and/or purified by the knowledge of the Holy One.
The Christian believer is called upon to seek for Wisdom. When you sit with elders, you will glean wisdom from them. They will share wisdom drawn primarily from their life’s experiences and traditions. It may or may not serve the purpose for which it was sought. However, when you sit with God, he will teach you wisdom in his word and this suffices for all situations of life. The counsel of the LORD makes one wise and brings prosperity. It guides you as you live your life and pursue your calling.
Joshua got this manner of wisdom from the LORD, “Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the Law which Moses my servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” (Joshua 1:7-8)
Wisdom once gained must be applied for it to be of benefit. In his song Moses made this prayer, “teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Reading and gleaning wisdom is important but it is not complete until it is applied. As you go through life, storms will shake your faith every now and then. How you go through it will be an indicator of where your wisdom is anchored. For instance, the anchor is never seen. That the ship doesn’t drift ashore is an indicator that the anchor is strong and heavy enough to hold the large vessel in place at a time.
An image of wisdom applied is given at the end of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:24-27). Jesus said, “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” Matthew 7:24). He went on to tell of two men who built their houses. The one built his house on a firm foundation while the other built his house on sand. When the rains fell and waters came up, only the house which was built on the sandy foundation fell and was destroyed. Nothing can destroy a house built on a firm foundation. A storm may shake it, but won't bring it down.
Just like an anchor, a foundation is hidden but that which stands on it is visible. The test of strength of what is visible therefore lies on what is hidden. As a Christian believer, what is the foundation on which the wisdom you live by is built? We may not see the hours you spend with God obtaining wisdom from him. However, your way of life remains as a testament of the foundation on which it is built.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). Godly wisdom gives the believer the best and strongest foundation on which life is lived. It demands that we start with God and in him every task will be well accomplished (Proverbs 3:5-6). It requires the practice of sitting under his counsel by gleaning through his word. It requires the practice of meditating on his word. It calls for humility to admit that there are times when we have sought other forms of wisdom and have failed miserably. It calls for the yearning to seek for his help. “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” (James 1:5).
