#earthly knowledge

When King Solomon was handed the rulership of Israel, God came to him in a dream and asked him what He could give him. As we know, instead of riches and power, Solomon asked for wisdom, to be able to rule effectively over the children of God. (1 Kin. 3:9)

God was so impressed with the king’s humility that He also showered riches and honor on him as well as wisdom. (2 Chr. 1:11, 12.) Just how wise did God make Solomon?

Now all the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. 1 Kin. 10:24 NKJV

Thus, King Solomon received wisdom directly from God, making him the wisest man on the planet.

What does ‘wisdom’ mean? In the Bible, it is translated from the Hebrew chakam, meaning ‘intelligent, skillful, artful and cunning;’ and from the Greek saphes, which means to be clear. English dictionaries define wisdom as ‘the quality of having experience, knowledge and good judgement.’

It would appear then that wisdom is a character trait you learn from having experienced what life has to teach you and from the processing of what these life lessons taught, leading to gaining an ability to astutely apply the knowledge that is beneficial - all with a mind and a heart that is clear from misconceptions:

The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. Pr. 15:31 NKJV

God is the Source of life; therefore, it is His lessons that bring wisdom to the willingly listening student. But, where does one start?

The [reverent] fear of the LORD [that is, worshiping Him and regarding Him as truly awesome] is the beginning and the preeminent part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; Pr. 1:7 AMP

God is saying that wisdom is found in Him:

…those who seek the LORD understand all things. Pr. 28:5 NASB

That makes sense. We seek God by living in and by His word. We gain His wisdom from the Holy Spirit, who reveals the meanings of those words to our spirit:

…there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. Job 32:8 NKJV

The good part is that God gives it freely to those who ask in faith:

…if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting… James 1:5, 6. NASB

Let’s ask God why we need this wisdom:

For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice, and preserves the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come in your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, delivering you from the way of evil… Pr. 2:6 - 12. ESV

So, with wisdom comes the ability to know God intimately - understanding His plan for you and His path for getting you there. Furthermore, God keeps you covered on all sides during that journey…

God puts wisdom above all things:

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you, she will bring you honor when you embrace her. Pr. 4:7, 8.  NKJV

Once we seek wisdom, God will keep pouring it into us:

“He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.” Dan. 2:21 NKJV

So, we’ve looked at why God wants us to have wisdom (primarily to facilitate having an intimate relationship with Him, and in so doing, have an extraordinary life). But what happens to those who don’t seek out His wisdom?

Therefore My people go into exile because they lack knowledge [of God]; Is. 5:13 AMP

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Hos. 4:6 NKJV

If you’re seeking God’s wisdom, you must also keep the company of others who do likewise:

He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Pr. 13;20 NASB

Ultimately, those who act in opposition to God’s plan for them, will be subject to the whims of the god of this world, because they invited him (Satan) in, by rejecting the kingdom wisdom:

When anyone hears the word of the kingdom [regarding salvation] and does not understand and grasp it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. Mt. 13:19 AMP

It doesn’t have to be that way if you stick with God’s ways:

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart, the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes… Ps. 19:7, 8. ESV

Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver…and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her, those who hold her fast are called blessed. Pr. 3:13 - 18. ESV

So, it is the use of God’s wisdom that promotes our highest and best life, not the so-called wisdom of the world:

Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. 1 Cor. 3:18, 19. ES

There is no [human] wisdom or understanding or counsel [that can prevail] against the LORD. Pr. 21:30 AMP

Just remember, when you get your wisdom, don’t forget form whence it came; and don’t allow yourself to get puffed up with your new-found awareness:

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Pr. 11:2 ESV

Thus says the LORD, “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom…but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises lovingkindness, justice and the righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD. Jer. 9:23, 24. NASB

For we get these very qualities by walking in His wisdom…

Perfection can't be seen in the latest magazine

On the covers of CDs, or the screen of your TV

Perfection can't be found in the air or on the ground

It isn't measured by the pound or by its quality of sound

Perfection is not kept in all the things that you collect

Ultra-slim, low-noise, or high-tech

No...

It can't be bought, it's not for sale

Perfection is not wrapped in the core of a six-pack

In shiny lips, or curvy hips

No...

Beauty is vain and strength grows weak, you see

Perfection is not in the eyes which grow dim over time

Nor in a smile that fades

It's not in money, earthly knowledge, or in fame

No...

Perfection, in a lowly place

Is formed in mercy, shaped by grace

Overlooked and underestimated

Perfection is in the pure heart that is turned toward God

The loyal, meek, humble one

Full of love, truth, compassion

Rejected, despised, but still

Intent to do the Father's will

But who can find such a treasure?

For even the eyes of the Lord run to and fro

Throughout the whole earth

Searching for ONE HEART that is perfect toward Him

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"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him..."