Matthew 11:19
From five different versions of Matthew 11:19, wisdom is proved right by her actions, shown right by its results, justified and vindicated by her deeds, and proved right by its actions. This wisdom thing sounds pretty nice but, what is it and where the heck do I get some? Where is the wisdom store?
The Bible tells us that wisdom is the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding. True wisdom is ALWAYS consistent with the two great wisdom themes of the Bible: reverence to God, our Creator, and respect for all persons, everywhere. But wisdom is more than just following a set of rules. The Law can give us important examples of wisdom, but they are only examples. No set of rules can cover all situations, and it is up to us to generalize the commandments to all cases. Many times the hypocrisy of religious leaders was condemned by Jesus as they obeyed the literal law but violated it's spirit.
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the
weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done
without neglecting the others. Matthew 23:23
Living with wisdom means living within the spirit of the Law and not looking for a loophole. Wisdom means understanding the consequences of our actions and words before we act or speak. Wisdom means having the knowledge and understanding to recognize the right course of action and having the will and courage to follow it regardless of it's ease or difficulty. Living in wisdom brings us in harmony with others because respect for others is the very backbone of the Law and wisdom. Wise living gives us a sense of inner peace as we act in accordance with our conscience and avoid shame and guilt from following more fleshly desires.
I often fail to act with wisdom -- it does not come easily or naturally but the reward for acting with wisdom is great; the payoff in self-esteem and inner peace will compensate us many times over. And where is that wisdom store? Well it turns out to be right here, right now. In James 1:5 we find the address. Just plug it into your GPS and receive.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. -
James 1:5
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. - Proverbs 1:7
For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,” and again, “The
Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” - 1 Corinthians 3:19-20
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures
forever! - Psalm 111:10
For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the
life of him who has it. - Ecclesiastes 7:12
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the
wisdom of the world? - 1 Corinthians 1:20
And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might,
the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. - Isaiah 11:2