We are blessed to live in a society of great abundance with lots of things and money and personal free-doms, and yet we suffer from an alarming scarcity of that which gives life meaning and leads to true peace and security: wisdom.
For all the wealth and power we see in our culture, people are starving for wisdom, discernment and truth. We have fallen for the deception that might makes right and that those with the loudest voices should lead. Even in our personal lives, we often join with the world’s ways instead of seeking after God’s wisdom.
During August, I plan to preach on wisdom. We will read about Solomon asking God for wisdom in-stead of wealth, power and fame. We will read in Proverbs about the blessings we receive as we seek after and follow God’s wisdom. We will read in Ecclesiastes about how to find meaning and fulfillment in life.
We find wisdom as we read God’s word, taking truth into our hearts and learning to submit to the Spirit’s leading. God also grants us wisdom in answer to our prayers. He longs to give us what we need to serve His purposes, and God is always ready to give wisdom to those who seek it. We also find wisdom through the counsel of faithful believers whose hearts have been shaped by God’s word.
With wisdom, we can know best how to raise our children and care for our families.
With wisdom, we can manage our finances, even in the midst of economic uncertainty.
With wisdom, we can discern what is best for our community and nation, even knowing how to vote in a time of political confusion.
With wisdom, we can deal with difficult people and hard situations, making the most of every oppor-tunity to do what is right.
With wisdom, we can decide what ideas to fill our minds with and which voices to listen to.
Without wisdom, we will be drawn into the world’s ways of thinking and acting, becoming what scrip-ture calls a fool. Fools are driven by selfish greed, by lustful desire and by misguided pride. Fools take the easy way, seek immediate gratification and ignore the feelings and needs of others. “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice” (Proverbs 12:15).
Without wisdom, we also run the risk of becoming what scripture calls wicked. People who are wicked are morally corrupt and spiritually deceived. They do what is wrong without shame or regret, hurting others and mocking those who suffer.
Ultimately, God will hold people accountable for the foolish and wicked things they do. “The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath” (Proverbs 11:23).
As followers of Jesus, as people who have tasted the goodness of the Lord and as those who believe and obey God’s word, we desire wisdom. Like Solomon, we ask God to give us wise and discerning hearts, and we trust He will provide. “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).
May the Lord grant us wise hearts and discerning minds.
