Pillars of Wisdom: Skillful in Life
Everyone has heard stories about someone finding a genie in a bottle who offers to fulfill the finder's greatest wish. What would you do if God actually granted you your deepest desire? Three thousand years ago Solomon was crowned king over the kingdom of Israel. God appeared to him in a dream and declared, "Ask! What shall I give to you?"
Solomon praised God for the mercy shown to both his father DavidKing of Israel, killed the giant Goliath with a sling and stones, a man after God's own heart, only turned from God in the matter of Uriah the Hittite (1 Kings 15:5), had an affair with Bathsheba, Messiah would come from line of David, main author of Psalms and highly musical. and himself. He was humbled by the task of ruling Israel and prayed, "...I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people, too numerous to be numbered or counted. Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil." Solomon's request pleased God and He gave Solomon special wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-12).
The Hebrew word chokmah, translated "wisdom" in the English Old TestamentThose books that make up the Hebrew Bible generally accepted by Christians, Jews and to some extent Muslims. It contains a threefold division: the Law (the five books of Moses), the Prophets and the Writings., was used in a secular sense to denote someone as a skillful craftsman. It was used in a religious sense to denote someone who was skillful at using God's Word to live a practical life of obedience.
Points to Build On
The practical art of living is built on three foundational steps:
1. Gathering knowledge, which is the learning of information.
2. Developing understanding, which is the ability to discern what is true and important.
3. Growing in wisdom, which is the ability to practically apply knowledge and understanding.
A person can memorize a great deal of knowledge and not understand how that knowledge relates to others or specific situations. A person can have understanding, but not have the ability to practically apply what they understand.
Solomon, in the book of Proverbs, admonishes his son to seek wisdom as if it is great treasure. Wisdom isn't inherited through genetic code. It is learned through biblical study, personal experience and the observation of others. It is ultimately expressed in the daily choices we make in our relationship with God and neighbor.
Application
Since wisdom isn't an inborn trait, but is developed over time, a person must be dedicated to becoming wise.
First, pray for wisdom. In the New TestamentThe 27 authoritative books of the apostolic writings: the four Gospels of Christ, Acts (a history), 21 apostolic letters and the book of Revelation. the apostle James writes, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).
Secondly, seek wisdom through knowledge. This includes daily BibleThe books (Greek, "biblia" ) that are acknowledged as canonical (authoritative) by the early Christian Church. It includes both the books of the ancient Hebrew prophets and those of the apostolic witnesses to Jesus Christ. study, and a lifelong dedication to continued education in science, history, creative activities and the arts.
Thirdly, observe and analyze both your life and the lives of others to learn effective decision-making.
Gary Petty
Pastor of the Austin, San Antonio and Waco, Texas, congregations
