In the eight verse of Proverbs chapter four we read, “Esteem her [wisdom], and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you.” The Bible gives us a major clue to earning a promotion on the job, in the church, and frankly, in any area of life. If you esteem—to regard highly and favorably—wisdom, she will exalt you. In other words when you value wisdom and use it in your actions, behavior, and decision-making processes, you’re sure to be promoted to higher levels of influence and leadership.
The same verse offers a companion benefit to the use of wisdom. If you embrace wisdom, you will receive honor. Honor speaks of being decorated, earning high respect, and receiving distinction. I don’t know about you, but I can always do with a little more honor in my life. And, a surefire way for this to occur is to walk in wisdom.
How does one walk in wisdom? I believe that since wisdom captures the elements of having foresight, insight, and hindsight, walking in wisdom means that you strive to have these ingredients constantly at work in your lifestyle and choices.
To exercise wisdom also means that you’re soliciting the counsel of wisdom to be continuously at work in how you think and in your approach to life. Ask yourself these kinds of questions before making major or minor decisions and before serious interactions with others: Does this direction reflect the highest level of wisdom? Should I search out someone’s advice on this matter before I act? What would Jesus say or do in this matter? Do I have full insight and foresight in this matter?
These probing questions are internal filters to the engine of wisdom and they should always be broached if you are to walk in wisdom. What are two things that typically hinder you from walking in wisdom? I mean when you look back over the past 30 or 60 days of your life, what was the cause of the unwise decisions that were made? How come wisdom wasn’t used?
Post your answers, please. In so doing, you’re helping to reclaim the role and value of wisdom in your life and that of the other bloggers.
I think that two things that can hinder us from walking in wisdom are fear and instant gratification. Fear I believe can cause us to make snap decisions to remedy a problem because we are afraid. Instant gratification will cause us to make the decision that satisfies us best at that moment in time but isn't necessarily the best decision (and usually isn't) for the future.
ReplyDeleteStopping and yielding to the Holy Spirit before we make any decision and seeking His counsel will always put us on the right path.
When I allow myself to react to the rhythm and pace of other people or situations, I can speak or act before tuning into that still small voice. Its when I don't allow myself the internal space & time needed to make a wise decision. Sometimes it can also be not responding quickly enough and not having the courage to act in the moment. For me, it's timing, being in harmony with God.
ReplyDeleteWhat are the two things that typically hinder me from using/engaging wisdom (over the last 30-60 days)?
ReplyDelete(1) Betrayal and (2) Disregard
In my work place the above two actions have been my reality. Betrayal is defined (American College Dictionary) as "to give aid to or information to an enemy; to deliver into the hands of an enemy in viloation of a trust; disloyal. To be treated with disregard is (I believe) the trigger that leads to betrayal. No matter how you slice it, it's a painful process and has the ability to lead to unrighteous thinking and or behavior.
For me personally, this has been the "test of all tests" because my greatest weakness is Loyalty. I am loyal to a fault, its part of who I am. However, I do know and recognize my strength to consistently choose the "high road" and I do ask the questions what would Jesus do? And not because it's the right thing to do but more because when faced with a painful situation humility and sacrifice are what I yield to mind. In truth it becomes "draining" on all levels...25 yrs is a long time but to God it's but a moment in time. So I press toward the mark for the prize of the High Calling...
The God I serve was persecuted, betrayed and he sacrificed it all for ME...so my first question to engage wisdom is "how bad do you want IT"? And for me IT is Heaven & to hear God tell me Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant! Oh I want it bad! so I adorn myself always with Loyalty, Wisdom and TRUST in God that it's His Grace, Mercy and Love for me that will TRIUMPH through any and all situations and circumstances. For Greater is HE that is in ME than he that is in the world.
It's not easy but always necessary. Just as Paul said, for Christ I live and for Christ I die! That has to be a daily mindset and lifestyle in order to truly live victoriously in Christ Jesus and not as a Victim of the world.
As for my job I work as an Administrative Assistant (Corporate America) aka "dumping station".
For the Love of God,
Shaun
Hello everyone,
ReplyDeleteThe weakness that seems to always prevail against wisdom is the impulsive temperament of doing things on our own without thinking it through, especially when there is a continuous success in the effort, then we start to rely on self-confidence which is one of the ways that arrogance penetrates the heart. I took a trip to Denver, CO last spring and at first it seemed a good thing to do because I was going to training for a business opportunity. Unfortunately, the market has collapsed in a way that even this venture that was very profitable at one point doesn’t seem to be needed at the present time -- (by the way I’m currently working on putting together a marketing plan to merge with another opportunity I’m also working on, so “lots and lots” of wisdom is needed.) -- Did I inquire of God before I made that move, absolutely; however, this economical shift has allowed me to see God’s benevolence even in an awful situation.
When it comes to utilizing wisdom in any situation, a true reliance on the Holy Spirit’s guidance is needed. God has provided His word but sometimes we seem so eager to impress either ourselves and/or others that we don’t take the time to weigh the result that needs to be achieved. In today’s reading, I see verses five thru nine representing Jesus through the work and power of the Holy Spirit – He is portrayed as the wisdom that we need; as it is written: “Get wisdom, get understanding; …… 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..."
Who if we devote our time and energy in entertaining will empower us better than the Holy Spirit, to me He is everything – I have to constantly remind myself that Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one and they agree on everything. When I need help, I ask the Holy Spirit to intercede on my behalf “by putting a good word for me with the Father” (mafia style, hehehe!! :-) God is gracious and so open-minded that I can present any crazy idea to Him and He’ll work with it and put me in the right path. Earlier this week I sent an email to the individuals involved in the lifegroup team I work with, urging them to acquire the wisdom that is available to us through the book of proverbs since it’s part of the 40-Days Journey current reading, I’m also urging us here today to do the same and get all the wisdom that we can get because that’s the only way we can either remain in the fire while waiting for salvation or come out it without the smell of smoke.
Everyone have a great day and be blessed.
wh
The two things that have kept me from walking in wisdom are fear and pride. When I operate in fear, I act impulsively, without giving clear and deliberate thought to long-term consequences. On the other hand, pride keeps me isolated and unwilling to ask for help. I feel so protective of my situation and my appearance of getting it right, that I miss out on wise counsel and wind up getting it all wrong.
ReplyDeleteImpatience! I certainly pray for more patience in my personal and professional life daily. :-)
ReplyDeleteBlessings to all!
~T.C.