It’s a well-known fact, that age often brings additional wisdom simply because of life experiences. As I am aging (hopefully gracefully), I am confident I have more wisdom than I did years ago. But, I am also realizing the more I think I know, the less I really do.
I am discovering my parents probably knew a lot more than I gave them credit for in my younger days. Somehow, I thought youth and ambition may have a trump card over insight and experience. I wish I would have been a sponge and been willing to sit and learn more from my parents and experts along the way. And yes, even now from my husband nearly 30 years into our marriage. He knows much more than I give him credit for.
The truth is, no matter what season of life we are in, we always have more to learn and more wisdom to gain. Wisdom is important to the Lord. The word wisdom is mentioned approximately 161 times in the Bible and 41 times alone in the book of Proverbs. God’s heart is that we would gain a heart of wisdom, His wisdom! So where can we start? There is no better place than the Word of God!
Proverbs 1:1-7 opens with, “The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth—Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction,” (ESV).
The Bible says, “Let the wise hear and increase in learning!” That is something to note! There is always room to grow!
Mediate on these verses regarding wisdom.
- James 1:5-8, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord, being double-minded and unstable in all his ways” (CSB).
- Proverbs 19:20, “Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future” (ESV).
- Proverbs 16:16, “How much better to get wisdom than gold! To get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver” (ESV).
- Proverbs 4:5-13, “Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.’ Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many. I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness. When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble. Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life” (ESV).
This probably isn’t your first rodeo either. I’m sure you have learned a great deal in your life through circumstances you have encountered. Are you open to learning more and gaining more wisdom? Who has God put in your path that is wise not necessarily in the ways of the world, but in the ways of the Word? Call them, text them, take them out for coffee or lunch, invite them over, or grab a glass of lemonade and slow down to rock in a rocking chair on a front porch with them. Are you ready and willing?
How can you make Monumental Moments and live to multiply His movement today?
