In the Old Testament, the book of Proverbs gives guidance on how to gain godly wisdom. And with wisdom come knowledge and understanding given to us by God.
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands
within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it
as for hidden treasure . . .
Proverbs 2:1-4 (NIV)
There are three “ifs” to gaining wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in the above verses.
If we accept God’s words, store His commands within our hearts, listen as He speaks, and apply our hearts to understanding
If we cry out and pray for insight
If we are persistent to search for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding as the treasures they are
If we do these things as we read in verses 1 through 4, verses 5 and 6 state:
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.
According to Proverbs when we walk in wisdom, we accept God’s commands (10:8); store up knowledge (10:14); are humble (11:2); are open to advice from others (12:15); overlook insults (12:16); our words bring healing (12:18); we act with knowledge (13:16); are cautious and avoid evil (14:16); control our anger (14:29); listen to correction (15:32); find goodness (16:20); and we are always learning (18:15). I’m sure I missed several others.
In the New Testament we find this verse that confirms God gives wisdom.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,
who gives generously to all without finding fault,
and it will be given to you.
James 1:5 (NIV)
I could always use more godly wisdom, along with knowledge and understanding, and would love others to know me for the above attributes found in Proverbs. How about you? Please add other qualities of wisdom in the comments below.
Photo by Todd Steitle - Unsplash