Proving Wisdom

It's been interesting, to say the least, to read the news lately--it's been a parade of puzzling decisions and bizarre actions by national figures. I have to admit that some of these reports have tempted me to slap my head and say out loud, "What were you thinking?" But really, the capacity for such delusional thinking exists in all of us. Like toddlers who "hide" while only covering their own eyes, we think we're not as obvious as the next guy when we do bone-headed things. 

This is nothing new. Consider Solomon, biblical figure, collector of proverbs, ruler of Israel. God granted him immense wisdom, but he still made many bad decisions for his own life. In fact, he made many bad decisions on a colossal scale. He didn't just marry one unbelieving wife. He married hundreds. And though he built an amazing temple for the Lord, he ended up worshiping many foreign gods. Nevertheless, the grace on his life to seek wisdom and communicate it to us in the book of Proverbs points to God's glory and not his own. It is God alone who is the source of wisdom.

I've been thinking about this for the past day, ever since Josh Harris kicked off a series on Proverbs at Covenant Life Church. He made five points from Proverbs 1 that really resonated with me:

• God's grace toward sinners gives us confidence to seek wisdom.
• We must choose wisdom. 
• Wisdom comes from God. Solomon asked for wisdom, but it is God who bestowed it.  
• Wisdom is for living. It is knowledge in action. It is put on display when we make choices and perform actions. 
• You are only as wise as your next decision. You prove your wisdom in what you choose today.  

The last point hit home for me because it not only illustrates the gaps in Solomon's life, it illustrates the gaps in the lives of those who have been savvy enough to become national figures and then become national disgraces. It also characterizes you and me, even though we may not merit national attention. Wisdom is proved in daily decisions: Shall I linger in conversation with that attractive but married co-worker? Shall I eat that item? Shall I sleep in or go to the gym? Shall I read my Bible or flip on the TV? Shall I spend that money or give it away? Each decision may seem small but it turns our lives in directions that we either celebrate or regret later on--especially on the day we give an account before the Lord.

I think it's a human tendency to want to coast for awhile. We will work hard for a season, but then we want to kick back and ride on past efforts. But the foolish decisions made today create foolish tomorrows. Yesterday's wisdom is so easily undone by the next decision. Even though we must daily choose wisdom, the good news is that God is eager to supply it. "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5 NIV)

Comments

[Becky]

Hi Carolyn,
I so appreciate you! I love teaching that gets right to the meat of the matter and you do. I really needed to read this today, as far as the lesser decisions. I am seeking God's wisdom, and He has definitely blessed me. It does get down to each decision, though. Such a great reminder!

Hope you have a great week!
Love in Christ,
Becky