Wise Like God

We all desire wisdom. It is a necessary element of life. Unfortunately, most people see themselves as being wiser than God, thinking that they know what is best for them better than God does. We think we as humans have all the answers. Is that true? Can we be wise apart from God? Where does true wisdom come from?

Colossians 2:2-3 New American Standard Bible (NASB) (emphasis added)

that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Proverbs 9:10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 3:19 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The Lord by wisdom founded the earth,
By understanding He established the heavens.

Wisdom comes from God. By wisdom He created the universe and fear of Him, reverence and respect for Him, bring wisdom to us. We cannot gain His wisdom if we don’t seek Him for it, if we don’t respect Him enough to believe what He says and obey it, if we don’t submit ourselves to Him. God is all-wise, all-knowing. In Him is all wisdom and knowledge. We can gain knowledge about things apart from God, but we cannot know the truth of that knowledge without Him. Most of the “knowledge” or information we receive from the world is false, and we cannot discern what knowledge is true without God’s discerning Spirit at work within us.

1 Corinthians 1:19-21 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
And the cleverness of the clever I will set aside.”

Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not come to know God, God was well-pleased through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe.

1 Corinthians 2:6-8 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;

Colossians 2:23 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

The world believes it is wise. Worldly people think they gain wisdom, but really they don’t. They see the wisdom of God as foolish because they cannot understand it, because it is contrary to their wisdom. Only those with the Holy Spirit can discern God’s wisdom. It is almost like an exclusive offer only for those who belong to God, not because God doesn’t want anyone else to have it, but because those who reject God refuse to accept His wisdom. It is offered to all, but they have to accept it. The gospel of grace looks foolish to the world because the world does not understand God’s love, holiness or justice. The things the world promotes sound wise, but really they are not. Yet, we cannot know that unless we have God’s Spirit in us to help us discern it.

James 3:17-18 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Proverbs 13:10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Through insolence comes nothing but strife,
But wisdom is with those who receive counsel.

Proverbs 10:31 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The mouth of the righteous flows with wisdom,
But the perverted tongue will be cut out.

What is true wisdom like? True wisdom is pure. It is not perverted, tainted, dirty or sinful. True wisdom is peaceable. Where there is argument and contention there is not wisdom. It does not desire to be right at the cost of others, nor does it seek conflict. True wisdom is gentle. It is not harsh, mean, or rude. True wisdom is reasonable. It is willing to yield. It is not pigheaded or arrogant. It does not obstinately demand its way. True wisdom is full of mercy and good fruit. It forgives and does good to others, even if they don’t deserve it. True wisdom does not waver. It is not blown from side to side, nor does it grow weary. It is steadfast. True wisdom is without hypocrisy. It makes sure to take care of its own sin before it confronts another. It is willing to admit it’s wrong. True wisdom is righteous. It has a right standing with God. True wisdom is willing to take advice and criticism. It is not disrespectful or willful. It is humble.

If we see “wisdom” that does not hold up to this criteria, we know that it is not from God and is therefore not true wisdom. We need to make sure that when we offer God’s wisdom, we do not give it in the wrong way. Many can have wise ideas that are given in an unwise way. We need to make sure that our attitudes, as well as our words and ideas, are wise.

Colossians 4:5-6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.

Our actions and behaviors, as well as our words and ideas, need to be wise so that we do not put off or offend those we minister to. We need to have gracious words and speak kindly and gently to everyone. Wisdom is humble, and if we act or respond in pride, we are being foolish. It is not simply a matter of gaining knowledge. We need to let God’s wisdom change our hearts and minds. In order to be truly wise, that wisdom has to influence and permeate every part of our lives.

Colossians 3:15-17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

If we try to convince others of the truth by attacking them, ridiculing them, or putting them down, we are not being wise, we are being foolish. Wisdom is not angry, rude, or contentious. It does not seek conflict. That is pride and foolishness. Wisdom seeks the betterment of others out of love, not to prove that it is right or better.

Looking at these requirements, are you acting and living in wisdom? Have you sought God’s wisdom and allowed it to transform your life? What do you need to do to change to become wise?