Lesson for the Week

Wise Up
(03/27/09)

I’m sure you have heard the saying, “Knowledge is power”. I don’t agree. I believe “the use of knowledge is power”. You can be absolutely constipated with knowledge, but if you don’t use it, you gain nothing. What about wisdom? It was said to me just today that “the proper use of knowledge is wisdom”. So why is wisdom so important? Let’s go to Proverbs 4:5-9. “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor.” (NIV). Wisdom is so important that when God was going to grant Solomon anything he wished, Solomon only asked for wisdom, and God was very pleased (1 Kings 3). Where does wisdom come from? Paul told the Colossians, “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” (Colossians 2:2-3, NIV). So how do we obtain wisdom? The word tells us that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.” (Psalm 111:10, NIV). “The fear of the Lord” is only step one. “Following his precepts” is step two. We must gain and properly act on the knowledge that God gives us through His word in order to grow.
Keep in mind that God wants us to shine for Him. He tells us we are “the light of the world.”, and He wants us to let our light “shine before men”. (Matthew 5:14&16, NIV). I believe our light will shine the brightest as we acquire and use His wisdom. “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens…” (Daniel 12:3, NIV).