TOPIC: HAVE YOU FOUND WISDOM?
TEXT: JOB 28:1-28
Do you ever feel like Job? Things happen which seem without cause or purpose. Because they make no sense, you do not know how to respond to them. Perhaps you are among the many people who have lost their jobs, partners, opportunities, etc. Though you were skilled and experienced, faithful to your employer, and diligent in your work, you find yourself dismissed. Economic, social or political factors over which you have no control or recourse have removed you from a place previously yours. Why has it happened? Is it someone’s fault? What are you supposed to do now? Until you understand the event, you are unlikely to be able to make good decisions about your future. Should you wait for the job to reopen, seek a new employer in the same profession, change careers, or even retire? Only through wisdom will you be able to choose the best alternative and respond with the greatest effectiveness.
So what is wisdom? Where can wisdom be found? Wisdom is sometimes misunderstood. Sometimes it is confused with knowledge or the possession of many facts. Knowledge is valuable, but it is not the same as wisdom and not enough by itself. Knowledge often pertains to secular matters and includes mastery of such subjects as math, science, philosophy, and history. The mere ability to repeat facts in such fields means little, for one may have factual knowledge and be ill-equipped either to serve God or survive misfortune. Wisdom is sometimes confused with craftiness or guile. Wisdom includes at least two key elements: understanding and discernment. By understanding we mean the ability to make efficient and proper use of the knowledge which one possesses.
Most people know many of the physical facts of our existence. We know the shape of our world and the nature of man’s body and emotions. Yet understanding of our origin, purpose, and destiny is not possessed by everyone. Without that understanding, life cannot be lived effectively and will fail. Discernment is derived in part from understanding. By this term we mean the ability to perceive things as they really are and to make correct decisions. The writer of Hebrews speaks of mature people who have learned “to discern good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14). Though he does not use the word “wisdom,” it is apparent that mature people are wise. For all true wisdom we must turn to God. Not only does God give us wisdom, He is also the object of wisdom. The more we understand of ourselves and our world, the more we are pointed to God. Job 28:28 says, “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” Therefore, is God definition of wisdom the same with yours? Re-check your personal dictionary, for whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world. Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore, get wisdom.
Word Affirmation: “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." - Isaiah 43:19 (Don't just say it, mean it!)
“ Is God definition of wisdom the same with yours? "
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