"Whatever wisdom may be, it is far off and most profound- who can discover it?" (Ecclesiastes 7:24 NIV) Yet, wisdom in the bible is considered more precious and incomparable to rubies or anything precious jewel (Job 28:18, Proverbs 8:11), is supreme (4:7), a blessing (3:13), and a great reward (9:12). Obviously I am using the bible's view on wisdom to reveal 7 steps of becoming wise because as a believer in God I know that I am limited in knowledge and wisdom, and that the wisdom of this world is foolishness. So, I rely on God's wisdom, because He has all wisdom, knowledge and understanding. So, here are 7 things I have learned to obtaining wisdom.
1. Having the fear of the Lord is wise. By fearing the Lord you must reject evil, pride, arrogance and sin (Proverbs 8:13). Fearing the Lord is referring to a godly fear, it means to have to reverence, honor and obedience toward God. Several times the bible states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10a, Proverbs 1:7a, Proverbs 9:10a). Obviously this is very important to gaining wisdom if it's stated repeatedly. In Job chapter 28, addresses the question of where wisdom comes from, and who attains it. He understands that the mysteries of this World are hidden from him and that it is hidden from all of creation as well. Only the person who created everything has all understanding, all wisdom and all knowledge.
"God understands the way to it and He alone knows where it dwells, for He views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. When He established the force of the wind and measured out the waters, when He made a decree for the rain and a path for the thunderstorm, then he looked at wisdom and appraised it; he confirmed it and tested it. And he said to man, 'The fear of the Lord-that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding'" (Job 28:23-28).
2. Wisdom is given by seeking God and asking Him for the gift of wisdom. King Solomon was considered the wisest man of his time. In fact, "the whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart" 1 Kings 10:24). Other rulers sought his advice and his kingdom was blessed. Solomon asked God for wisdom rather than wealth, honor or death of his enemies so God found favor in him and gave him not only wisdom and knowledge that no man will every have, but also riches and wealth (2 Chronicles 1:11-12). Wisdom comes only from God and therefore can only be given by God. "For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding (Psalm 2:6) and if you "ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you (Matthew 7:7) and to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well "(Matthew 6:33).
3. Righteousness brings forth wisdom. Look at Matthew 6:33 (as stated in number 2). God is willing to give to those that seek His righteousness. Righteousness is being blameless in God's eyes, being free from guilt or sin, being pure. I'm sure that you will agree that we all have been done something wrong and are not free from guilt. The point is that when make a point to do the right thing that is what brings wisdom. "The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just" (Psalm 37:30).
4. Having knowledge and understanding in truth is wise and brings forth wise decisions. It would be impossible to be wise if you are ignorant and lack understanding. It is not enough to have knowledge and understanding because we can understand and know about foolish and evil things and still lack wisdom. It is important to know and understand truth, godly truth. But first we need to know what truth is. Jesus tells us that He is the way, the truth and the life in John 14:6. Jesus also talked about the Spirit of truth that will come and give council and guidance (John chapter 16). The word is also truth according to Jesus in John 17:17. Proverbs 9:10 also says that "knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
5. Discretion and discernment are attributes of wisdom. "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion" (Proverbs 8:12). It is discretion that keeps you safe. It is discernment that sees the truth that seems hidden. Solomon warns us to not let these out of our sight, because they are what lead us to life and safety, and caused you to avoid stumbling (Proverbs 3:21-23).
6. It is important to have a humble heart by following the advice and instruction of wise council. If would be foolish to take advice from foolish council and the wisdom the world has to offer is also foolish. "My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity" (Proverbs 3:1-2). Proverbs chapter 3 goes on to say not trust and find wisdom in yourself, but rather to trust the Lord and look to Him for wisdom. Proverbs 28:26 says that it is a fool who trusts in himself. A wise person will bring joy to his parents by following their instruction (Proverbs 29:3). It is pride that causes people to avoid the Lord's instruction and guidance and look to themselves for wisdom and direction. Proverbs 11:2 says "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom". It is only with humility that someone will look beyond themselves for wise council. "The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor" (Proverbs 15:33).
7. Finally, we must understand that wisdom calls us to action, discipline and obedience. "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom" (James 3:13). If you have wisdom, knowledge and understanding but do not act upon it than it means nothing. You must live a life that displays wise decision in order to gain from it. You must be obedient to God's commandments and to His instruction on your life. By doing this you also gain life, peace, happiness and blessings from the Lord.
So I will remind you what wisdom brings and its importance. It is better than any jewel. It brings forth security, many blessing, and a straight path. King Solomon was considered the wisest man alive and he gained a lot from his wisdom and insight. He and the kingdom he ruled gained wealth, power and security, but there is more to the story? Yes. With all his wisdom and wealth, King Solomon made some foolish choices that led to serious consequences. He was not obedient to the Lord's direction. He took many mistresses that worshiped other gods, which caused him to turn his heart from the Lord. He partook in idol worship and built alters to other gods, leading his kingdom to idol worship as well. This did not please God and so God said to Solomon "since this is your attitude and you have not kept my covenant and my decrees, which I commanded you, I will most certainly tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your subordinates. Nevertheless, for the sake of David your father, I will not do it during your lifetime. I will tear it out of the hand of your son. Yet I will not tear the whole kingdom from him, but will give him one tribe for the sake of David my servant and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen" (1 Kings 11: 11b-13). Solomon said that wisdom and knowledge brought him grief and sorrow. He applied himself to both wisdom and folly, and learned the wisdom is better that being foolish. Even a wise person can choose be act foolishly, because no one is without temptation and sin, but in these foolish decisions is when there are great consequences and heartache.
Lastly, it is important that although wisdom, knowledge and understanding are important, they are not the most important thing in life. 1 Corinthians 13:2 says, "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing."
e here