How To Operate In Wisdom
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5
The Bible talks about wisdom a lot! In fact, the book of Proverbs tells us that we should desire wisdom above even wealth. I don’t know about you, but if wisdom is the key to walking in blessing—I want it. So, how do you operate in wisdom? Here are some insights I have found in the Bible to ensure that you are on the path to wisdom!
1. Choose to be wise!
Wisdom is a choice. The Bible instructs us on how we are to live our lives. We can either accept or reject its instruction. There is nothing more frustrating than living foolishly expecting good results. God is pretty clear that the guidelines and instruction that He has put forth in His Word is for your benefit. Wisdom may not always be the easy or the most pleasurable path; however, it is the most rewarding. Choose wisdom—choose to obey God’s Word and with it comes favor and blessing!
2. Practice wisdom in your words!
Be careful and watchful about what you speak! A wise person learns to tame their tongue!
“Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” Proverbs 13:3
It doesn’t take discipline or wisdom to spout out everything that you want to say. When someone cuts you off in traffic or when you are tempted to spread some really juicy gossip—don’t! A wise person uses self-control when it comes to their words! When you sow foolish talk, you reap a fool’s harvest. If you seem to always be caught up in drama or foolish arguments think about how you’ve been using your words!
3. Don’t focus on what you see in the natural.
“A fool says there is no God” Psalm 14:1
A wise person learns to discern their situation through the eyes of faith. The temptation of foolish thinking is to throw a temper tantrum and to give up when we don’t see our prayers answered immediately. A person of wisdom is a person of faith. Instead of responding to the natural, a wise person chooses to see and declare what God is doing behind the scenes. Wisdom sees and discerns what God is doing even if it’s hasn’t manifested in the natural yet!
4. Practice gratitude daily!
A wise person is a thankful person!
“Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these? For it is not wise to ask such questions.” Ecclesiastes 7:10
It’s not wise to look back on your past or to look too far ahead into your future. The best place you can be is in the grace of the present. A person of wisdom is present and thankful for today. They operate in the grace and mercy for the moment. Thanksgiving and gratitude safe guard your heart, your mind, and your emotions. Gratitude is a habit of a wise person!
5. Seek to learn from others.
“Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinion.” Proverbs 18:2
Wise people listen and learn. Have you ever had a one-sided conversation with someone who ranted incessantly about their own opinions and walked away in awe of how wise they were? Chances are the answer is no! Wise people are listeners. They are slow to speak and quick to listen. Wisdom is humble and realizes that there is so much more to learn and to receive from others. Practice self-awareness. The next time you’re around friends or church members, listen more and speak less!
Wise people also aren’t too proud to ask for godly advice. The Bible tells us that there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors. When you need help making a decision or if you need Godly feedback, don’t be too proud or afraid to ask! Asking for advice from the right people can be a safeguard in your life. Be wise!
As you practice growing in wisdom, remember what Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, but fools despise wisdom and knowledge.” Choose to grow and mature in the Lord today!