WHAT IS TRUE WISDOM?
Sakkie Parsons
One morning, while lying in bed and listening to the radio, a thought came to me – a question, and with it, I believe, the answer: What is true wisdom?
I’d like to explain it to you as I understand it.
JOB 28:28 (AMP)
“But to man He said, ‘Behold, the reverential and worshipful fear of the Lord—that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.’”
PROVERBS 9:10
“The [reverent] fear of the Lord [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of wisdom [its starting point and its essence], And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight.”
In an interview that was conducted with Billy Graham—one of the greatest evangelists of our time—after his 85th birthday, he was asked the following question:
“If you could live your life over again, would you change anything along your life’s path?”
His answer was the following:
“I would pray more and I would study more.”
The study he referred to, was the study of God’s Word.
No wonder, because God teaches us in His Word:
PSALM 19:7–11
7 The law of the Lord is perfect (flawless), restoring and refreshing the soul;
The statutes of the Lord are reliable and trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true, they are righteous altogether.
10 They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11 Moreover, by them Your servant is warned [reminded, illuminated, and instructed];
In keeping them there is great reward.
All people can truly be wise, but most people, with all they have, are still foolish. Thankfully, it is so easy to receive true wisdom:
JOHN 1:11–13
11 He (Jesus) came to that which was His own [that which belonged to Him—His world, His creation, His possession], and those who were His own people [the Jewish nation] did not receive and welcome Him.
12 But to as many as did receive and welcome Him (Jesus), He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name—
13 who were born, not of blood [natural conception], nor of the will of the flesh [physical impulse], nor of the will of man [that of a natural father], but of God [that is, a divine and supernatural birth—they are born of God—spiritually transformed, renewed, sanctified].
With what you have just read in mind, I remind you again of the last part of Proverbs 9:10, because if you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you know Him.
PROVERBS 9:10
“And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding and spiritual insight.”
Someone might ask:
“So how can I get to know the LORD?”
Then the answer is:
To accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and then to read and study His Word and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in it.
Sakkie