Wisdom

Listen to Proverbs Chapter 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 or read "Wisdom"

"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. ... For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. ... Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
James the brother of Jesus contrasts two kinds of wisdom writing:
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. (James 3:13-17, Today's New International Version)
Have you ever thought about what wisdom is?

Wisdom is defined in American Heritage Dictionary as "The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting," and further defines it as "The sum of learning through the ages" or "knowledge". The Merriam-Webster dictionary starts off the definition of wisdom as "accumulated philosophic or scientific learning: knowledge".

Maurice Meredith writes this in trying to define wisdom. "Wisdom ... enables one to turn every good thing in life to its rightful purpose. It is something more than wit, shrewd common-sense, or even worldly prudence. It is something more than intellectual excellence, in that it implies a spiritual and moral quality of heart, will and life; and is the practical application of knowledge to its best ends."

A. W. Tozer says "wisdom, when used of God and good men, always carries a strong moral connotation. It is conceived as being pure, loving, and good.… Wisdom, among other things, is the ability to devise perfect ends and to achieve those ends by the most perfect means. It sees the end from the beginning, so there can be no need to guess or conjecture. Wisdom sees everything in focus, each in proper relation to all, and is thus able to work toward predestined goals with flawless precision."

Rubel Shelly writes "Wisdom is the right use of one's knowledge, insight and skill to the glory of God."

"Wisdom is the power to see, and the inclination to choose, the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it" writes J. I. Packer. He continues his thought writing "wisdom is, in fact, the practical side of moral goodness. As such, it is found in its fullness only in God. He alone is naturally and entirely and invariable wise."

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