The Rewards of Wisdom…

Wisdom is one of the most powerful tools that we can have in life. The Bible has a lot to say about the topic of Wisdom. It can be the difference maker in someone’s future and destiny.

Proverbs 2:1-7

Here is what wisdom can do…

1. Wisdom Can Change Your Situations

A wealthy old lady decided to go on a photo safari in Africa. She took her faithful pet golden retriever along for company. One day, the golden retriever starts chasing butterflies and before long the dog discovers that he is lost.

So, wandering about, he notices a leopard heading rapidly in his direction with the obvious intention of having lunch. The golden retriever thinks, “OK, I’m in deep doo-doo now! Then he noticed some bones on the ground close by, and immediately settles down to chew on the bones with his back to the approaching cat. Just as the leopard is about to leap, the dog exclaims loudly, “Boy, that was one delicious leopard. I wonder if there are any more around here.”

Hearing this, the leopard halts his attack in mid-stride, as a look of terror comes over him, and slinks away into the trees. “Whew,” says the leopard. “That was close. That golden retriever nearly had me.”

Meanwhile, a monkey who had been watching the whole scene from a nearby tree figures he can put this knowledge to good use and trade it for future protection from the leopard. So, off he goes. But the golden retriever saw him heading after the leopard with great speed, and figured that something must be up.

The monkey soon catches up with the leopard, spills the beans and strikes a deal for himself with the leopard. The leopard is furious at being made a fool of and says, “Here monkey, hop on my back and see what’s going to happen to that conniving canine.”

Now the golden retriever sees the leopard coming with the monkey on his back, and thinks, “What am I going to do now?”

But instead of running, the dog sits down with his back to his attackers, pretending he hasn’t seen them yet… and just when they get close enough to hear the golden retriever says…

“Where’s that darn monkey? I sent him off half an hour ago to bring me another leopard!”

That dog had some pretty good wisdom I’d say. Getting wisdom on the current situations in your life can change everything. You can begin to rise up out of whatever you are facing. Wisdom can be the difference maker between where you are and where you need to go. Without wisdom we can fall victim to repeat the past over and over. However, with wisdom we can navigate through anything life throws at us. No matter what situation you are facing financially, spiritually, physically, emotionally, etc… wisdom can give you everything you need. Wisdom give us hope for a better future. There is always HOPE if we have the wisdom to see it. I am convinced there are no hopeless situations only hopeless people. Wisdom gives you answers for the future. You can never lose hope when wisdom is guiding you along your journey.

2. Wisdom Can Change Your Future

I have often said, “You are only one idea away from a major break through in your life.” My wife Erin loves to come up with inventions in her mind. I have to admit she has some pretty amazing ideas, I am sure one day she will invent something that will be a major breakthrough. The truth is every great invention started with an idea that changed the future. Wisdom gives you the ideas you need in order to break through the obstacles and challenges in your life. Who you can become and the potential you have is unlocked when wisdom fills your life. Your future is not a product of the past, it is a product of your wisdom. One idea from the depth of wisdom can change your destiny in an instant.

3. Wisdom Can Change Your Legacy

The examples you leave behind for your children, their children, and their children’s children is part of your legacy. The impact you make in this world leaves a legacy. Toward the end of the 19th century, Swedish chemist Alfred Nobel awoke one morning to read his own obituary in the local newspaper.  It read:

“Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite, who died yesterday, devised a way for more people to be killed in a war than ever before; he died a very rich man.”

Actually, it was Alfred’s oldest brother who had died; a newspaper reporter had messed up the epitaph.  But the account had a profound effect on Alfred.  He decided he wanted to be known for something other than developing a means to kill people efficiently, and for amassing a fortune in the process.  So he initiated the Nobel Prize, the award for scientist and writers who foster peace.

Nobel said later: “Every man ought to have the chance to correct their obituary in midstream and write a new one.”

Legacy is about leaving a mark in this world. Wisdom allows you to know how to leave your mark in this world.

What is Wisdom?

Most people think wisdom is…Intelligence or being smart. Others think it is about making good decisions. Some think wisdom is experience. Many people have many different ideas of what wisdom is. But think about this…there are a lot of smart people who are very successful in the world but they don’t know Christ. If wisdom is just about being smart what happens to smart people who stand before God and have no relationship with Him?

Matthew 16:26

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

You see, you can’t separate God from wisdom and you can’t separate wisdom from God. After all look at where wisdom comes from…

Proverbs 2:6

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Wisdom ONLY comes from God. Unless you know Christ you can’t know wisdom. Here is what I believe wisdom is…

Definition = TO KNOW GOD’S PLANS AND TO LIVE IT

Let me ask you a question: Who has the BEST plan for your life, family, finances, health? Is it Oprah? People Magazine? Gurus? Or maybe it’s You? Or is it GOD Almighty, Creator of the universe?

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 

Understand that wisdom comes from God. Wisdom is the ability to KNOW God’s plans and to LIVE it. There is not true wisdom outside of a relationship with God. God is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. He is the Creator God who is all powerful, all knowing, ALL everything! This is good news for those that are followers of Christ, for there is wisdom from our God. We have the ability and potential to tap into God’s wisdom for our lives, what a privilege and an honor! Never let discouragement get to you by feeling left out! We are included in the wisdom of God! We have access to the source of all wisdom! No matter how many books you read, blogs you search, or people you listen to will compare with the wisdom that comes from knowing God. He desires to speak to us and make His plans known. It is us who distort the voice and dampen our spiritual ears. It is not a lack of God speaking, but a lack of our listening that confuses us! Wisdom is knowing God’s plans by listening, and living them by stepping out!

So what exactly is wisdom? Knowing God’s plans and living them out! That will stand the test of time for all eternity!

Myths About Wisdom…

1. Wisdom Comes With Age

Unfortunately many think that wisdom comes with getting older. The only problem with that theory is the Bible teaches us that wisdom clearly comes from GOD.

Proverbs 2:6

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Sometimes age just comes alone. The myth is to believe that just because we are getting older means we are getting wiser. Teenagers are a great example of this, they think they know everything because they are 13 years old now! They get the, “I am wiser than my parents” delusion and they truly believe they are right. Don’t get me wrong wisdom can come with age but understand that it doesn’t automatically come with age. We can’t just rely on time to make us wiser in life, we must rely on God! Make sure you never buy into the myth that age will automatically bring wisdom!

2. Wisdom Comes From Experiences

Experiences can only take you so far. We have all had all kinds of experiences, but did we learn from them? Experiences mean nothing unless we take something positive from it. Experience is not always the best teacher of wisdom. Just because you experienced something does not make you wiser. However, when we allow God to speak to us and learn from our experiences wisdom can fill us to overflowing! Experience is NOT the best teacher, educated experience is, meaning you learned something from it. The children of Israel wandered 40 years in the desert going through the same experience, they never were any wiser because they didn’t learn God’s lessons from it! Make sure you always ask God what is He teaching you through every experience and take something from it as you apply it in your life!

3. Wisdom Is For The Wise

Sometimes we think wisdom is reserved for the elite. Wisdom is something for the really blessed ones that have much favor in their life. The reality is wisdom is available to ALL. We sometimes are make to think wisdom is for the KNOW IT ALLS. But the truth is the wisest people usually don’t have all the answers. The more the wise learn the more they realize they don’t know it all. The fool has ALL the answers. The more you grow in your wisdom the less you know. It’s the people that “know it all” that don’t really know that much at all. The greatest ENEMY of wisdom is PRIDE, thinking you already know it all. Famous coach John Wooden said, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”

Proverbs 11:2

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Wisdom if for the humble and the thankful! Those that submit to God’s plans are the ones who receive wisdom from Him. Always keep your pride in check and have a willingness to learn and grow in all circumstances!

4 Lessons About Wisdom…

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.”

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!

How To Get More Wisdom…

We are all in need of wisdom. It can mean the difference in your life. So how do you get more wisdom?

1. Ask God

James 1:5-8

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.

You have not because you ask not. But there is a catch to asking God for wisdom…Don’t ask unless you are willing to do what He says. God will not pour out wisdom on us if you are not going to act on it. Asking God for wisdom is not just a question it is an obedience to do what He will say. Many people want to do what God wants them to do until they find out where He wants them to do. Wisdom may call you to do the most unlikeliest things in the most unlikeliest ways. Spend time asking God for wisdom everyday.

 2. Walk with the Wise

Proverbs 13:20

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

It has been said that you will become like those whom you hang out with. Show me your friends I’ll show you your future. Are you spending time with those that will better you? Do you have mentors and lifters in your life? If you do not have wise people around you to pour into you then you are not going to get all the wisdom God has for you. God uses other people to speak into our life and to help shape us. Make sure you have the right people pouring into you. I spend a minimum of an hour a day with mentors. Most of my mentors I have never met…they are authors, speakers, and pastors. They mentor me through the books I read and the messages I listen to. Some of my mentors I met with during lunch or breakfast and ask questions to about life, business, money, people, ideas, leadership, etc…Make sure you are spending time with mentors so that they can lift you to a higher level.

3. Grow it

Colossians 1:10

And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.

If your not growing your not going anywhere. Wise people are always growing themselves, they never stop seeking. The other day my nine year old daughter Zion said, “When I grow up I want to be a kid.” Kids are always growing and seeking because they love to explore. Jesus said we need to have a child like faith. There is a temptation to stop growing when we get older. Exploration turn into apathy and we cease to step out. Sometimes we think we’ve “arrived” and we stop growing. But understand that growth is not automatic it has to be intentional. Just because time has passed does not mean we are getting wiser. Wisdom has to be grown within us. The more we grow the more we are able to discern God’s voice, His plans, and His purpose for our lives. Here are 3 things you must do in order to grow…  

a) READ

Get into God’s word. It is impossible to know God unless you are in His word. Hearing about God will only take you so far, but knowing His word will open doors. Also get great books, resources, ideas to help you grow. I have different categories of books I read constantly. Make sure you are immersing yourself into books of wisdom.

b) LISTEN

Listen to those that can speak into your life. Are you being challenged by mentors around you? Not just hearing though. Hearing goes in one ear and out the other. Listening is about hearing then acting on it. Listen to those who speak into your life and ACT on it!

c) ASK QUESTIONS

Are you asking questions to learn from experiences? Are you pursuing God by asking questions? If you have more answers than you do questions than you have it backwards. Always be a seeker and a learner. Ask specific questions to those you can learn from. Be intentional about your growth. Get around those that are wiser and better at what you want to do and ask away!

Proverbs 24:3-5

By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.  A wise man has great power, and a man of knowledge increases strength.

Life changes when we get wisdom from God!