Godly
Wisdom:
Scripture
tells us that God gave Solomon wisdom and very great insight, and a breadth of
understanding as measureless as the sand on the seashore. (1 Kings 4:29)
While James
writes: Are there any among you who are really wise and understanding? Then you
should show your wisdom by living right. You should do what is good with
humility. A wise person does not boast. If you are selfish and have bitter
jealousy in your hearts, you have no reason to boast. Your boasting is a lie
that hides the truth. That kind of 'wisdom' does not come from God. That
'wisdom' comes from the world. It is not spiritual. It is from the devil. Where
there is jealousy and selfishness, there will be confusion and every kind of
evil. But the wisdom that comes from God is like this: First, it is pure. It is
also peaceful, gentle, and easy to please. This wisdom is always ready to help
people who have trouble and to do good for others. This wisdom is always fair
and honest. People who work for peace in a peaceful way get the blessings that
come from right living.
So how do
we gain this wisdom that God gave to Solomon and learn to act wisely as James
writes? Well perhaps we could ask God to give us wisdom just like Solomon did! However,
it would also appear that we are required to have a humble reverence for God
and to have an open willingness to take instruction.
For Scripture
tells us that 'the Lord was happy that Solomon asked for wisdom. So God said to
him, 'You did not ask for long life and riches for yourself. You did not ask
for the death of your enemies. You asked for the wisdom to listen and make the
right decisions. So I will give you what you asked for.' (1 Kings 3:10-12)
But can we
ask God to give others the wisdom to live right and especially those that have
important decisions or choices to make on behalf of others?