The Need For Wisdom

by Pastor Mark
September 19, 2024

Times when we need wisdom

In life, as we face many difficult challenges, there will be hard decisions to make. In these tough circumstances, we see the great importance of having the wisdom to discern things well and make good decisions. The author of Proverbs raised some of these dire circumstances to consider.

  1. When calamity comes (Proverbs 1:26)
  2. When terror strikes (Proverbs 1:26). Such terrors may come in the form of storms, whirlwinds and destructions (Proverbs 1:27).
  3. When distress and anguish come upon us (Proverbs 1:27)

While we may not face natural destructive forces such as whirlwinds, we have experienced great calamities such as COVID and numerous times of distress and anguish. It is in facing difficult circumstances of life that we recognise our need for wisdom.

Yet wisdom is not available

“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.” (Proverbs 1:28)

  1. We tend to assume that when we need wisdom, it will be available to us.
  2. Wisdom personified presents a different perspective
  3. There will be times when we call for wisdom, and she will not answer.
  4. We may even seek her diligently, but she will not be found.
  5. We will find ourselves in a difficult position as wisdom will not be available to us
  6. What are the reasons for this situation?

Reasons given

Wisdom provides many reasons as to why she is not available.

  1. Hatred of Knowledge (Proverbs 1:29). As there is no love for the Lord’s Word in the first place, we are unable to gain knowledge and wisdom.
  2. Choosing not to fear the Lord (Proverbs 1:29). There is no reverence and regard for God…to seek Him and His Word.
  3. Not seeking the Lord’s counsel (Proverbs 1:30). There is no humility to seek the Lord’s counsel and face our challenges.
  4. Despising rebuke (Proverbs 1:30). We do not like to be rebuked concerning our erroneous ways and stubbornly continue in them.
  5. Eating and being filled with the fruit of their ways and fancies (Proverbs 1:31). The bad fruits that we end up with will be due to our own doing.
  6. Turning away (Proverbs 1:32). There is the conscious choice of turning away from the Lord and His Word.
  7. Complacency (Proverbs 1:32). Our complacent and foolish ways would be our undoing, as no wisdom is available.

The acquiring of wisdom

Wisdom is something that must be acquired over time. It cannot be obtained instantly. Wisdom is seen as a result of…the fruit of our search. It involves much effort in seeking, learning, finding and so much more. If we do not take the necessary steps consistently in acquiring wisdom, she would not be there when we need it. Let us be challenged to do all that we can to diligently acquire wisdom in order for us to face the difficult circumstances of life.

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