Bible Reading: Job 28; James 2:15-20.
“But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?” – Job 28:12 (KJV)
Wisdom is generally defined as the correct application of knowledge. For example it is generally known that a mother loves his child and will not want the child to die. And so when Solomon was faced with a decision on who owns a living child out of two women claiming motherhood, his correct application of the knowledge of mother-child relationship helped him to take the decision that the woman that wanted the child to live was the mother. ( 1 Kings 3:16-28).
So acquiring knowledge is a key factor in determining the wealth of Wisdom that one has. And knowledge can be acquired from different fields and at different times. The information technology age also makes it easy to acquire knowledge but such repertoire of knowledge does not translate into wisdom as a wrong application of knowledge will lead to foolishness instead of wisdom. Thus in 1 Kings 12:1-16, where Rehoboam, the son of Solomon became king and some tribe of Israel came to him for decision on how he would lead them. Though he had advice from both old advisers and young advisers, he took the decision to implement those of young advisers and this led to the separation of Isreal from Judah!
Wisdom is therefore key in all decisions as it can make or mar one’s future. The relevant question is then asked in Job 28:12 (KJV): “But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?” The bible gives us insight with the definition of wisdom in Job 28:28 (KJV): “And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.”
Based on this and looking into how Solomon acquired his wisdom, as stated in 1 Kings 4:29-30 (KJV): “And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. [30] And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.” Solomon got the wisdom and understanding by asking the Lord in 1 Kings 3:9 (KJV): “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad: for who is able to judge this thy so great a people?”
And Apostle James also advised us to ask God for wisdom as he puts it in James 1:5 (KJV): “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” However, to ask God for wisdom you need to have accepted him as your Lord and Saviour and also develop intimate relationship with him through praise and worship, studying the bible and leaving a life pleasing to him.
Action Point:
Using Ephesians 1:17-20, pray for wisdom and revelational knowledge of God.
Bro Biodun Oyapero