Have you ever wondered how wise it was to do something? How often have you shoved aside the niggling feeling that something wasn’t a good idea? Have you ever rejected someone’s advice because you felt it wasn’t wise? Have you ever asked someone for help because you felt they were wise?
The Bible talks a lot about wisdom. Doing a quick Bible Gateway New Internal Version word search, I find there are 219 results for the word “wisdom” and a 189 for the word “wise.”
Where does wisdom come from and when may it appear? The first thing we can do to answer this question is utilize our handy-dandy Bible that God gave us.
Take a quick look at James 1:5.
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
New International Version
One of the first steps when questioning whether something is wise is to turn to God. Honestly, everything in life should have God as the go-to. He shouldn’t be the fallback for hard times. He should be the one that you go to because you want Him in your life.
Glance at Proverbs 1:7.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
New International Version
Raise your hand if you want to be a fool. Any hands? Don’t be shy. None? That’s what I thought. One of the last words we want to be associated with is ‘fool.’
One sure and good way to keep that nasty little pest away is by doing what Proverbs 1:7 said. If you fear the Lord (which means literal fear of His fierce anger if you aren’t a follower and also fear as in awe), then you will avoid the fool word. Another thing, welcome God’s instruction. Be open to correction.
See what Proverbs 2:6 says.
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6
New International Version
The Lord gives you wisdom, you don’t stumble upon it. Don’t be so concerned with the world around you that you miss God whispering wisdom in your ear. Know that if He is telling you something, then it is full of knowledge and understanding. He will never guide you in ways of destruction.
Add on to this with Proverbs 2:12.
Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse… Proverbs 2:12
New International Version
Using the wisdom that God has given you will protect you from situations you really shouldn’t be in. Maybe you use wisdom to tell that you really shouldn’t take a ride from a stranger. Or maybe you realize it isn’t in your best interest to go to a certain party. Or maybe you realize that it isn’t a good idea to be alone with a guy or gal.
We see that wisdom comes from God and that it can appear at anytime. There is no shame in admitting that you can’t tell if you should do something or not. Always be ready to turn to God, not your feelings.
God will never leave you hanging, so don’t be afraid! He has wisdom stored up for you. Also, remember, if it isn’t God honoring, then it isn’t a wise thing to participate in.