Introduction/Definition of Terms

 

In this write-up, I will be bringing to bear “ways we can get wisdom in every endeavor”.  Be it biblical or in the secular world where self development and improvement is constantly being sought.  But before we commence on the main issue, What is Wisdom?

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defined wisdom in many ways as follows:

a.  Knowledge gained by having many experiences in life;

b.  the natural ability to understand things that most people cannot understand

c.   knowledge of what is proper or reasonable: good sense of judgment.

The second area looks at wisdom  “as a wise attitude, belief or course of action and finally; as the teachings of the ancient wise men”.

Looking at above definitions as to gain more insight on what wisdom is – one could ask!

 

 

(a)  What are those knowledge one would gain or acquire through experience(s) of life:   The response(s) could be:  when one comes face to face with  life-threatening situation(s) and if nothing happens, such a person lives to recount his experience for others to learn lesson(s) from.

 

So many instances abound either from the big Book of Wisdom or in the society we live in for example: Survivals of Accidents especially fatal ones where many souls are affected and those who survive – maybe with serious disability starring them on the face or some terrible ailment/diagnoses where death is starring at one’s face.  When one visit the hospitals and see what people are passing through on daily basis you will be grateful to the Almighty God for allowing you to breathe freely,  walk freely and having freedom to accomplish so many things in your life.  So many are not opportune with such freedom.

 

• In the Bible we read about Jonah whom God ask to deliver a message to the people of Nineveh to repent from their wickedness without which punishment would befall them.  Jonah refusing God’s message and trying to run away to hide himself, was swallowed up by a big fish  when God sent tempest to toss the boat he was in.

 

Jonah knew what he did and went down into the boat and was fast asleep under the boat while others were about to perish along with him.  But when the tempest was so severe and every body was crying to their gods for deliverance from the tempest, Jonah was awakened and told of the impending situation they were in, he refused to own up until lots were cast which fell on him.

 

Knowing that he was the cause of the trouble told  them to toss him overboard that he had caused the problem, this was after series of questions have been put to him and when they did that the waves ceased and others survived (Jonah1;1- 15).

 

• Apostle Paul also suffered many sea wrecks and other tortures but survived to tell the stories; hear what he says in the second letter to the Corinthians chapter four verses eight to nine:   “We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed-” these are just a few, we can go on and on.

 

I am a cancer victor.  We also have those who are victims.  We know how deadly it is and when one is diagnosed of it how it sends fear to the heart of people.  But God is faithful for even the treatment has never been easy and how some cannot withstand  this treatment and become victims still.  It’s like  after removing a poisonous snake’s head, the other parts are still dangerous; that’s how it is with cancer.  But thanks to God, for in all,  I glorify the Almighty God for the experience, deliverance and healing.

 

 

• (b)  The second part is the one given by God; except He opens up your mind of understanding and give you this kind of wisdom; you will never have it.

 

Let us site some instances where God Himself declares that He has endued wisdom to some people:  In Exodus 31:2-6 paraphrased:  “See, I have called by name, Bezallel the son of Uri,…and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge and in all manner of workmanship ….  And I, indeed I, have appointed with him Aholiab …; and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans, that they may make all that i have commanded you”.

 

This kind of wisdom comes only from God.  Some people are naturalist while some learnt to be wise by setting up certain virtues and following them as to live in wisdom.  Certain great men of the Bible have this kind of wisdom. Joseph; Solomon-  the wisest man before Jesus time; Daniel; Jesus Himself were endued with this kind of wisdom.  All other types- having good sense of judgment etc all  emanates from this kind and some are learnt from experiences and from books.

 

What is the Biblical Perspective of Wisdom?

 

I state that,  Biblical perspective of Wisdom is that natural sense one is born with.  With such wisdom,before a statement is made – one with wisdom listening had already known what the person has in mind or where that statement is leading to, up to its end.  A kind of instinct controlling ones thought and actions propels that kind of person.

Those born with it are at every point knowledgeable of what to say and  do (their actions)at every given point.  They display the right attitude; engage in what is right all the time; for  example,  the four young Hebrew boys in exile known as Daniel, Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego.

The Bible recalled in Daniel 1:17, 19 and 20  that;  “As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.  Then the King interviewed them, and among them all “None was found like Daniel, Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego.  

And all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the King examined them; he found them ten times better than all the magicians and

astrologers.

What about Joseph?

 

 Whom at a very tender age his brothers sold him into slavery and went through one suffering to the other.  In the house of Potipher, the Bible recorded that due to his beautiful nature, the wife of Potipher lusted after him, and him having the fear of the Lord in his heart, said “How can i do this great wickedness and sin against God“.  This is wisdom at work.

When the pressure became too much he ran away and charges were pressed on him which landed him into prison (Gen.39:1-21).  He was never ready to contest the accusations but ready to suffer rather than for him to miss the mark for which God is leading him.

 

What about Jesus

 

Before His birth, there was a prophecy concerning Him in Isaiah 11:1-2 that:-  “There shall come forth a rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots.  The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the spirit of Wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.  And when He came to the world, was the spirit of God upon Him?

 

Let us find out as we turn to  Luke 2:40, 42 -49 and 52 which says:  “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.From verses 42 downward we saw a scenario which revealed that at age 12, he went to the tabernacle with his parents and after the ceremony, He remained behind amidst scholars listening as well as fielding them with questions.

 

What would a child of twelve years know as to engage scholars (men of high knowledge) in discussions and questioning for three solid days?  That is God’s wisdom in Action that has made him to be so bold and eloquent in the midst of men with wisdom of the world.  He wants to show where His wisdom came from.  The Bible stated that all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

 

And verse 52 crowned it further that He increased in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and men.”  So these answered our question since it corroborates the prophecy above. We can therefore state that the Spirit of God was upon Him along with the Spirit of Wisdom and understanding; counsel and might and that of knowledge and fear of God hence he could achieve so much for the salvation of mankind within His short period of life.

 

Wisdom according to Proverbs chapter four verse seven indicate that it is the principal thing.  What does it mean to say something is the principal thing? Principal means the most important thing; consequential or influential; the chief ingredient of  anything; the central or focal point in things; the greatest, the highest; the number one thing in life or the primary thing in life.  If wisdom is considered such an important thing or the highest thing or greatest thing in life why not we seek for it as to get this wisdom which is so important even to God who is willing to give to those who freely ask for it.  In many ways the Bible admonishes us to seek diligently for it as to get it.

 

HOW GET THIS WISDOM:

 

I shall commence this aspect by examining the story of the wisest man King Solomon who said that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Prov.1:7.)  Looking at it from the beginning of the chapter i.e Proverb 1 from verse 2 upwards.  He says:  To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity; To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion- A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a wise man will attain wise counsel. …The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

 

 

From the above verses read, we have seen that to acquire this wisdom, two vital areas must be taken into consideration before wisdom could be attained.

• First one must hear;
• One must increase in learning .  Thereafter the  attainment of wisdom.  What is that thing that you must hear to increase in wisdom, knowledge and understanding?  Whatever thing you will hear that will not produce positive change(s) to your life is not worth it and must be discarded from your life.

 

The word of God is clear concerning this word – hearing.  Prov.2:1-7 states:  My son, if you receive my words; and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding: Yes, if you cry out for discernment and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, And find the knowledge of God.  For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright….  Things you have to hear are first:  things of God, things that will bring salvation to your soul and things that will bring about positive changes to your life through learning. (See write-up here)

 

Let’s see what happened in Acts chapter 19 from verses 6 to 10.  “And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them…. Now the men were about twelve in all.  And he went into the Synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God (Click here to learn more).

 

But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the way before the multitude, he departed from them and withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the School of Tyrannus in Ephesus.  And this continued for two years, so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

 

First teaching and learning was done for three months but when oppositions came, he shifted to a different location and there they had it for two whole years hence all heard the word.  This goes to tell us that education in any form especially for positive venture is commendable and acceptable for the good of the land or should be desired.

 

So we can see that even during their time a school for learning things of God was introduced – (this I believe is the basis of Theological colleges where priests are trained before ordination) – where Apostle Paul taught others for a period of time.  Hearing and learning brings about increase in wisdom, knowledge and understanding when adequately applied.

 

Same way our Lord Jesus taught his disciples for three years and after He was gone; they carried out the task of witnessing what they heard, learnt, saw and with the Spirit of God leading and directing them did great and marvelous works and also mentored others.  Their singular actions (wisdom gained while with their Master Jesus) fill the whole world with the things of God and the word of God being circulated or propagated all over the world.

 

We can see that God Himself gives wisdom and He stores up sound wisdom.  When we hear His words and treasure His words in our hearts, we reverence and  do His commands, then He hears us when we call or ask for anything including asking for wisdom.

 

Bringing this home; I am also a partaker of one form of learning or the other.  The most recent are as a Medical Coder and as an Online Marketer with the Wealthy Affiliate University.  This is a place of thorough learning for self development and improvement in both online and offline marketing.  (See My Thorough Review on Wealthy Affiliate).

 

What is learnt here is being practicalized as to gain wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the Technical aspect of life.  This I love so much and very proud to be a member of a teaming community of Wealthy Affiliate.   You are invited to pitch a tent here as you will be glad to find such a wonderful training institution that gives it all for so little a fee or nothing for the first month of trial.  Join  Me Here  for a taste of the pudding is in the eating.  Have a view of what it looks like here.

 

Know that without hearing there is no way you can increase in learning as well as gaining that wise counsel.

What happens to those who fail to heed God’s wisdom?

 

Prov.1:  24- 32 states thus: “Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, because you disdained all my counsel, and would have none of my rebuke, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes,  when your terror comes like a storm, and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.  Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;  They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.  Why?

Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord (which is the beginning of wisdom)….

Verse 33 says:  “But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.”

 

The Second area we want to look at is the area of Asking.  From whom do we ask for Wisdom?  The Bible made it clear in James 1:5 that, “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.  But you must ask in faith without doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.  It says further in verses 7-8; For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

 

The Bible said ask in faith, What is faith? According to Heb. 11:1-2; Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.  For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.  And I want to say; Faith is religiously holding on to what you believe in; trusting even when results are not forth-coming.  The bible said Faith without works is dead and  Faith comes by hearing the word of God.  Jesus came and said He must do the works for which he came  while it is still day, for the night comes when no one can work (John 9: 4).   The elders Abraham for which faith was accounted to worked because he believed God and acted even in difficult situation.

 

No matter the situation, the Bible is admonishing us never to relent in asking, seeking and knocking as recorded in Matthew 7:7-11, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.  Or what man is there among you who if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? or if he asks for a fish will be give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will you Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him.

Our task is to obey God and do his will because the Bible stated in Matt 7:21 that “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven”  So that’s the task we are required to do and when we ask for anything It will be given unto us when we doubt not.

 

Let’s cite some examples of men who ask from God for wisdom.  One notable example of this is the case of King Solomon  when he ask God for wisdom to rule his people.  The Bible recorded in  1 kings 3:6 – 13; 4:29 or  1 Chro.1: 6-12; 9:22-23 states thus:-

 

Now the King went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place.  Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.  At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said “Ask! What shall I give You?” And Solomon said: “You have shown great mercy to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in truth, in righteousness and in uprightness of heart with you; You have continued this great kindness for him and You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day.

 

Now,  O Lord my God, you have made your servant king instead of my father David, but I am a little child (humbled himself before God to teach and direct him in leadership of his people);I do not know how to go out or come in.  And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted.   Therefore give to your servant an Understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil…  Now all these transpired in the dream and the manifestation in real life brought great wisdom and knowledge upon Solomon.

 

The Bible reported further that; the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.  Then God said to him; Because you have asked this thing and have not asked for long life for yourself, nor have asked for riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.  And I have also given you what you have not asked; both riches and honour …

 

1 kings 4:4:29-31a, 34 says; And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore.  Thus Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the men of the East and all the wisdom of
egypt.  For he was wiser than all men….  and his fame was in all the surrounding nations….And men of all nations, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom came to hear the wisdom of Solomon.

 

Also, God gives Freely to whoever He desires to give.  A notable example here is in Exodus 31: 1-11 when God directed the building of His tabernacle and the robes or garments for the priesthood; He directed Moses to certain men – Bezallel and Aholiab as stated above and endued them with the spirit of wisdom to handle all manner of craft.

 

Here, God Himself declared that I, indeed I have appointed and have put wisdom in the hearts of all the gifted artisans so that they will perform all the functions required both in building, furnishings and in making of garments.  So who is that craft man that will acclaim the wisdom or knowledge of craft acquired to his own effort and hard-work,  If God does not give you a thing, there is no way you can make it so let us never fail to give credence and honor to God for whatever He allow in our lives.

 

Another area is in Training and Experimenting or practicing that which is learnt.  I want to reiterate the good works being done  in Wealthy Affiliate, again  (see my Review) where several courses, walk through videos; and many other programs come to play.

 

You don’t just learn but the practical aspects grant you the opportunity to actualize what is learnt.  Taking one through this training gives one the experience and expertise needed to break-forth and succeed.  The One on One coaching from the Proprietors and other ambassadors; and the contributions of the community in responding to questions are all tremendous and commendable.

 

We should know that learning is a continuous process that should be embraced by all.  No age should be a barrier to learning and seeking for this wisdom for the betterment of this great world God made and said it was good.

 

 

Click on this link and learn how to become God,s masterpiece that will transform both yours and other peoples’ lives.  This can only be achieved when you acquire  wisdom that is so paramount to all.

 

Another area is by studying every piece of information that comes your way that will add value to your life, doing those things that are acceptable and right before God and man,  by asking and or requesting for it as stated in Matt.7: 7-8;  “Ask, and it  shall be given you; seek and ye shall find… Reading is the key factor here.  The Bible in 2 Tim.2:15 says; Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”

 

Also 2 Tim.3:14-17 opined thus: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  Rather than waste time to watch all manner of things that will not improve your life or add value to you, or even bring glory to your Father who is heaven, why not engage yourself with the study of the word of God.   This will make thee wise in your choice of things and life.

 

Feel free to contact me through this website  getwisdoms.com.   Also get connected with me here to get fresh insights on how to seek this wisdom and I will be available for your questions, suggestions and comments.

 

For further inquiry concerning the author (See the About Me Page Here) or my email: iyayejacob@gmail.com.

 

Cheers

 

LJacob