How to Get Wisdom

by David Gibson

Defining wisdom

• “Wisdom is the right use of knowledge” (Charles Spurgeon).
• “Wisdom is the common sense to put into practice the principles and instructions given us in the revelation of God’s Word” (J. W. Roberts, A Commentary on the General Epistle of James, 46).
• Wisdom “is the God-given understanding that enables a person to avoid the paths of wickedness and to live a life of righteousness” (The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Vol. 12, 168-169).
• “Wisdom takes insights gleaned from the knowledge of God’s ways and applies them in the daily walk” (The Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Vol. 3, 1650).

Desiring wisdom

“... Make your ear attentive to wisdom,
Incline your heart to understanding;
For if you cry for discernment,
Lift your voice for understanding;
If you seek her as silver
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
Then you will discern the fear of the Lord
And discover the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding”
(Proverbs 2:2-6 NASB).

Acquiring wisdom

Where to begin: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom ...” (Psalm 111:10).

Pray for wisdom. Solomon prayed for wisdom, and God gladly granted his request (II Chronicles 1:7-12). God eagerly gives wisdom to those who ask in faith (James 1:5-8).

Study the Scriptures. “... from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (II Timothy 3:15 NKJV).

Spend time with wise people. “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20 NKJV).

It only makes sense.