“Wisdom is the ability to put knowledge into practice.”
I heard this once and I think it is profound. Mastering information or above average brain power doesn’t mean a person is wise. In fact, there are many sharp people who are strong in knowledge, yet deficient in the wisdom category.
And there are two kinds of wisdom to consider.
“So where can you find someone truly wise, truly educated, truly intelligent in this day and age? Hasn’t God exposed it all as pretentious nonsense? Since the world in all its fancy wisdom never had a clue when it came to knowing God, God in his wisdom took delight in using what the world considered dumb – truth speaking, of all things! – to bring those who trust him into the way of salvation.
While Jews clamor for miraculous demonstrations and Greeks go in for philosophical wisdom, we go right on proclaiming Christ, the Crucified. Jews treat this like an anti-miracle – and Greeks pass it off as absurd.
But to us who are personally called by God himself – both Jews and Greeks – Christ is God’s ultimate miracle and wisdom all wrapped up in one. Human wisdom is so tinny, so impotent, next to the seeming absurdity of God. Human strength can’t begin to compete with God’s least.” – 1 Corinthians 1:20-25/Message
So how does a person find the path to wisdom and eclipse “the wisdom of this age?” Once again we consider the confluence of mind and heart. When we offer our best gifts to our Creator we become something more than a mere man or woman. We become the hands of God in the world. Seriously.
This is why Jesus came to the world of men. He is the perfect blend of everything which produces freedom. Our capacity for knowledge is great, but God provides wisdom through interactive life experiences with Himself. We are actually on a journey to know God, and if this reality unfolds we become wise. So simple, right?
I have deep admiration for people’s skills and their accomplishments and successes in life. But the wisdom of God is the power of God. I want to experience this power for myself and among those whom I love. I wish this for my neighbors as well.
Solomon was incredibly knowledgable. He was also sadly obtuse to the humility needed to truly become God-wise. King David, on the other hand, chose the path of heart wisdom. And Saul ran on empty. Saul had no heart. David a whole heart. And Solomon, a half heart. Three hearts – three realities.
Wisdom is my ability to put God knowledge into practice. It makes me wise and an owner of great riches: in faith. in science, and in philosophy. For this I need God’s Spirit to lead me in truth. It just doesn’t come naturally.
Long live the heart of wisdom! (Psalm 90:12)
Selah!
Dave and Burnadette