Webster’s Dictionary for children defines wisdom as, “the ability to see beneath the surface of things.” This understanding of wisdom is exactly what the Scripture communicates about wisdom as well. The Bible tells us that wisdom consists of 3 main things intertwined with one another; knowledge, prudence and discretion. Knowledge is understanding how things actually work. Prudence is understanding how things really are and not just how they appear. Discretion is understanding what to do about how things actually work and really are. According to German Bible Scholar, Gerhard von Rad, wisdom is becoming competent with regard to the realities of life. Von Rad once said, “The wise person does the right thing, the correct thing, even when there are not rules that apply.” Wisdom is knowing the difference between doing what feels right in the moment and doing what is right for all who are involved and impacted by the decision. Wisdom is the ability to see what isn’t obvious, to read between the lines, and then discern what is the right thing to do about it.

Being a person of wisdom first and foremost requires that you are connected to, and in relationship with, Wisdom Himself, Jesus. It is only when we subject and submit ourselves to the authority of the Author of Wisdom that we can begin to understand and follow the path of wisdom in our own lives. But, even though we may be in relationship with Jesus, there will be times when the wise course of action is not readily apparent to us. In those moments you need to have a loving, honest and Gospel-centered community of friends surrounding you and speaking the Truth in love to your heart. We all have blind spots and it is the community of believers that alerts us when we are drifting over into the wrong lane of traffic.

Many times our culture declares that wisdom, and for that matter power, affluence and leadership, are only reserved for those privileged enough to have access to it. And, for the most part that is how our culture tends to operate. We pass judgement on one another based on the color of our skin, the socioeconomic status we carry, the school we attend, the job we hold, etc. If you are not part of the “in” crowd then you are left on the outside. Your voice is silenced and any wisdom you do have is said to be foolishness and is squashed by the powers that be as quickly as possible. Now, that not’s everywhere, but it is the case in many places of our society. However, Scripture, and in particular the Gospels, directly confront that mindset in nearly every place you look. God chose Noah, the man who had never built a boat, to construct a vessel larger than a modern cruise liner. God chose Abraham, a man who had no children, to become the father to a nation. God chose Joseph, the arrogant dreamer, to humbly save the Israelite nation. He chose Moses, the man who was a poor communicator, to be God’s mouthpiece to Pharaoh. He chose David, the lowly shepherd boy, to become the mightiest warrior in Israel’s history. And of course, God chose the impoverished towns of Bethlehem and Nazareth to be the birthplace and home of Jesus the Messiah. Jesus chose fishermen and tax collectors and murderers to be His disciples who would change the course of history. 1 Corinthians 1:27 tells us that God chooses the things this world calls foolish in order to display His multicolored wisdom on the earth. Therefore, wisdom is available to everyone who seeks it. Yes, seeking it is easier for some compared to others. Opportunity and availability are not equal to all to say the least, but opportunity is available to all who look for it. Sometimes you just have to persevere and overcome the obstacles and oppression you may face and press on towards God trusting that He will meet you where you are.

Foolishness is just easier. Wisdom takes work. Wisdom is costly. Wisdom often times calls you to do the thing that is most difficult. Foolishness simply requires you think of yourself, do what’s most comfortable for you, and use others for your own advantage. Selfishness is easy. Love is sacrificial. Living in the moment is exhilarating. Thinking through the consequences requires thought and foresight. Foolishness puts you on the throne of your life. Wisdom subjects you to the King of kings.

If we are obligated to live a life as wise as Jesus did then the weight of that expectation is going to eventually crush us. We will fail at some point, and when we do we will be overcome with shame and guilt and run from God rather than running to God. On the other hand, though, if walking in wisdom is an invitation to be in relationship with a God who loves us, has sacrificed for us, and accepts us despite our failures because of the perfect obedience of His Son, then we will chase after that wisdom. We will gladly run to Him when we fall short, asking not only for forgiveness but for the power and desire to do better next time.