Proverbs 16:16 states, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!” The Bible frequently tells us to seek wisdom above other things (e.g. Proverbs 4:7). But wisdom is not a thing. The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God (1st Corinthians 3:19). And verse 20 states, “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise are worthless.” But there is a difference between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom (see James 3:13-17).
“Of course, Godly wisdom is from God and glorifies God. The fear of God is the beginning of godly understanding, and a holy life is its end. Worldly wisdom, however, is not about glorifying God but about gratifying self. Worldly wisdom can be educated, street-smart, and have “common sense” that helps us to win the game of the world. Godly wisdom equips us for eternity. We exchange worldly values for biblical values (1 John 2:15–16) with godly understanding. We are citizens of another kingdom, and we make decisions that are in line with that loyalty (Philippians 1:27; 3:20). To have wisdom that comes from God is to want to see life from God’s point of view, and to act on that basis.
The book of Proverbs is one of the wisdom books of the Bible. Proverbs is filled with good advice for life. Proverbs often contrast the wise with the foolish and warn against foolish acts (e.g., Proverbs 3:35; 14:24; 15:7; 26:11). Everyone makes errors but the smart person learns from them and takes action to avoid repeating them. The fool may do the same thing over and again and never learn anything.
The wisdom of God may be extremely different from the wisdom of the world. Jesus pointed up these disparities in His Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5—7). For example, he said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44–45). Godly wisdom often leads us to do the opposite of what we want to do naturally. Godly wisdom is contrary to the “conventional wisdom” of the day; it is not about self-preservation, but for the advancement of the kingdom of God. We can only walk in godly wisdom, if we are determined to crucifying our flesh and living in the Spirit (see Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:16, 25).
The main source of godly understanding is to learn God’s Word (Psalm 119:169). “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Ps 119:130). No one is born wise. If we are to be truly wise, we must get our wisdom from God: “Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies.” I have more understanding than all my teachers, For your testimonies are my meditation. I have more insight than my teachers, for I obey your commands (Psalm 119:98-100).
Colossians 3:16 reads, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (ESV). Being immersed in God’s Word develops a heart of worship and thankfulness. That heart of worship becomes the fertile ground for seeds of wisdom to sprout. Jesus appealed to the Father, “Sanctify them through the truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). He wants His followers to be different from the world, making godly choices and living godly lifestyles (1 Peter 1:15). We can achieve that only when His Word is alive in us.
We might learn godly wisdom by selecting wisely who we let to go with us through life: “The one who walks with the wise will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20). Paul told the Corinthians, “Imitate me as I also imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1, CSB). If you desire wisdom from God, you will look for heroes who have wisdom in their own life.
Scripture teaches us to seek godly wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5, NASB). God desires us to possess His wisdom. When our hearts are ready to receive it, he is happy to offer it us. James continues, “But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. “Let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways” (verses 6–8, NASB). God knows where our hearts are. When we are devoted to trusting Him and obeying His Word, He pours out His wisdom on us (see Jer. 29:13). But if we desire to keep the right to disobey, we are double-minded and will not obtain the insight we seek for.
Solomon prayed the Lord for wisdom and received the wisdom of God (2 Chronicles 1:10–11). He was wise, but in his later years he strayed away from obeying the wisdom that had been given to him. He rebelled against the Lord, and even began to worship idols (1 Kings 11:1-11). Not wisdom alone would ensure that Solomon would follow the road of wisdom. Sadly, he traded his divine insight for worldly wisdom, and he paid for it. The rest of 1 Kings 11 describes Solomon’s decline as the Lord withdraws His hand of blessing from a man who was once great.
“Yes, if you cry aloud for insight and lift up your voice for understanding; if you seek it like silver, and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Prov. 2:3–6).
