The Bible gives us an in depth lesson on Wisdom. It unpacks 4 distinct traits, let’s check it out…

Proverbs 30:24 – 28

“Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer; Coneys are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags; Locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks; a Lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces.”

4 Lessons About Wisdom…

1. The Ant

Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer

The Bible first gives us the image of the Ant. Ants store up their food in the summer so they are ready for the winter. They are smart little creatures. The lesson here is this…Wisdom Prepares. It has been said that, “Success is when Preparation meets Opportunity.” Wisdom is about being prepared so that when your time comes you are ready. The question we have to ask ourselves is, “Are we preparing for life?”What are you doing today to ensure a stronger tomorrow? I remember reading a sports quote one time that said, “The more you sweat in practice the less you bleed in battle.” What a true statement. If you want to get the most out of life you must be prepared. And preparation is about applying yourself NOW! Famous coach John Wooden said, “When opportunity comes it’s too late to prepare.” You never know when God is going to bring you an opportunity, but you must be ready for it when it comes. Make sure you are practicing wisdom with your gifts, talents, skills, relationships, finances, etc… so you will be ready when your time comes. If you play now you will pay later, however if you pay now you can play later! Always be prepared in and out of season.

 William Arthur Ward Wrote…

Believe while others are doubting / Plan while others are playing

Study while others are sleeping / Decide while others are delaying

Prepare while others are daydreaming  / Begin while others are procrastination

Work while others are wishing / Save while others are wasting

Listen while others are talking / Smile while others are frowning

Commend while others are criticizing / Persist while others are quitting

2. The Coney

Coneys are creatures of little power, yet they make their home in the crags

The Coney or Rock Badger is able to build homes in the hard places. They are incredibly skilled at working around obstacles. The lesson here is that…Wisdom Perseveres. The Coney are little creatures, but they are not limited by their environment. They push through the limits of what should be and persevere to what could be. They make the most of what they have, they don’t give up when the going gets tough. Life is a marathon not a short sprint. You must pace yourself and endure to the end. Everyone faces obstacles on their journey that doesn’t mean you should give up. Never let obstacles keep you from your destiny, push on and keep the faith. Obstacles are tests in disguise. They test our faith, patience, endurance, and spiritual stamina. Wisdom is about running the race of life and never losing heart. Wisdom says, “You can become an overnight success after years of hard work and patience.”   

 3. The Locust

Locusts have no king, yet they advance together in ranks

Locust have no king that is motivating them and forcing them to act, yet they do exactly what they were created to do. They do not wait for someone to motivate them, they motivate themselves. The lesson here is that…Wisdom is Proactive. Most people are reactive not proactive. They accept their life, they do not lead it. Wisdom is about being proactive and taking initiative to get things done. Sports teams know that you win games not by just reacting but by acting. Defense reacts to what is happening around them offense is proactive to make it happen. Wisdom produces opportunities by taking the first step towards opportunities. You don’t win games by only playing defense you win games by playing offense. Don’t just live a defensive life only being reactive. Live a offensive life by being proactive!

4. The Lizard

a Lizard can be caught with the hand, yet it is found in kings’ palaces

Lizards are small and humble yet they are able to live in king’s palaces. In the same way we are not great and mighty but God allows us to live in His palace and have access to the King’s stuff. The lesson here is that…Wisdom Positions Itself. Wisdom is about getting in the right places. Righteousness is being in the right place with God. It is not our righteousness, but God’s righteousness that covers us. Think of His righteousness like an Umbrella. When we position ourselves under His righteousness and His leading we are safe under His protection. However, when we step out from His covering and try to do things on our own we are subject to the storms and rain. Even when we are under the umbrella there are still storms and rain, but we are under the protection of His righteousness. Wisdom is about positioning yourself under the shadow of the Almighty God! It is about living in obedience to His way and His plans. Wisdom is only found in the presence of God! It comes from Him and through Him. Live like the Lizard and position yourself under God in all that you do!