CRY OUT FOR WISDOM - BY DR WILSON LIM
The Scriptures encourage us to cry out for wisdom (Prov 2:1-6) for we desperately need wisdom if we are to live our lives and serve God effectively. Wisdom is the ability to work out what is right, what is true combined with good judgment.
It is crucial for us to better understand that wisdom has many components. We shall examine briefly some of these elements below.
Functional wisdom
Functional wisdom is the underlying wisdom that we each possess to varying degrees. This wisdom is something we develop and build upon ever since we were a child, as we grow up. This wisdom develops as we accumulate knowledge and understanding. This wisdom is strengthened as we increase in our ability to analyse and synthesise the knowledge we have, in order to increase our insight. Combined with creativity and problem solving abilities, the wise are able to develop effective means to address issues that they are confronted with.
In effect, the abilities and skills contained within these functional elements can be developed through natural means such as observation, study, mentoring, practise, etc. The Book of Proverbs contains much advice on these aspects.
Functional wisdom can also be given by God as an added giftedness to us. However, it is important to realise that God does not just give it to us, He wants us to grow with it. It is like being given a highly sophisticated tool. Unless we use it intensively, we will not actually master it, nor use it effectively. I believe we need both. The God-given aspect and the personally developed aspect.
Godly wisdom
What distinguishes godly wisdom from worldly wisdom is the attitudes and perspectives. Godly wisdom comes from God and is therefore characterised by attitudes and perspectives that align with God’s.
James 3:13 - 17 (NIV) 13Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom... 17But 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 clearly reveals the character of God in those with godly wisdom. Those with godly wisdom will utilise their functional wisdom with the value of godliness. These can only be gained as we walk with God and assimilate His values as expressed in God’s Word. In contrast, those with worldly wisdom will be characterised by earthly, unspiritual attitudes and perspectives which clearly reveals an ungodly source.
James 3:14 - 16 (NIV) 14But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
Supernatural wisdom
There is a wisdom available to God’s people that comes from God directly. It is a wisdom that we can access but cannot possess. This is a wisdom that God provides to us for specific situations. A wisdom that God gives to us either through a divine-inspired knowledge or insight. A wisdom that usually brings about unique solutions to challenging situations. An example is when Joseph offered to the Pharaoh an elegant solution to the prophesied 7 years of famine, after 7 years of plenty (Gen 41:15-40). It was supernatural wisdom from God that elevated Joseph’s status before Pharaoh.
In our journey of faith, it is helpful to understand that some parts of wisdom can be developed by us. However, it is our attitudes and perspectives that determine whether our wisdom is godly or not. This requires us to walk with God faithfully. And lastly, supernatural wisdom is available to us from God Himself. Thus it is important for us to continue to cry out to God and receive a wisdom that is divine inspired.
May all of us be seekers of Wisdom that comes from God.
From a wisdom-seeker, Dr Wilson Lim
