Wisdom Work

“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.” –Proverbs 4:6

The Internet amazes me. True--it has its problems and dangers, so I approach it with caution and care. But anytime I want to know a fact (the meaning of a word, a historical detail, specifics about a current event), all I have to do is turn my computer on, find my favorite search engine, type a few words, and suddenly all the answers are there! I no longer have to wonder until I find the time to go to the library or purchase a newspaper, if I find the time at all. No effort needed aside from a few quick keystrokes. Knowledge is available like never before!

Wisdom, however, is different. Wisdom is knowledge gained from experience. I may be able to find an advice columnist on-line who is willing to share her wisdom concerning a particular situation, but her wisdom may not be right for my situation. She doesn’t live in my shoes; she hasn’t experienced my life. Different circumstances call for different solutions; finding them requires personal wisdom, wisdom from within.

How does one gain the kind of wisdom that protects, loves, and watches over a person? This wisdom comes from God. So easy to say! But how do we access it? By filling our hearts and minds with His Word--reading, studying, memorizing, devouring! God invites us to take it all in--His wisdom! He wants us to internalize it, make it a part of ourselves.

If we do this, then, when difficult circumstances arise, God’s Spirit will act as a search engine, pulling the verses we need onto the screen of our awareness, so we’ll know how best to respond. With practice and experience, this wisdom comes more easily, giving us confidence in our ability to handle new situations wisely with God’s help.

And we can’t forget to pray. Asking for wisdom pleases God. He’s ready to give us all we need at any time. (Again, that's easy to say, but remembering to do this, training ourselves to make prayer our first response and to trust that God will answer takes practice, determination, and time.)

Google for knowledge. For wsidom, go to God.

Father, open my heart and mind to Wisdom. I choose to honor her. Let her protect and watch over me, helping me make right choices to successfully live Your way. Thank You in Jesus’ name. Amen.