Read
6 All wisdom comes from the Lord,
and so do common sense
and understanding.
7God gives helpful advice
to everyone who obeys him
and protects those
who live as they should.
8God sees that justice is done,
and he watches over everyone
who is faithful to him.
Reflect
There is an old adage that says, “If you want knowledge, go to college. If you want wisdom, go to God.” Solomon understood this truth when he asked God for the gift of wisdom over and above all other gifts.
I’ve learned that knowledge can take a lot of time and work to attain while wisdom is more like a gift that is bestowed upon you. It’s easy to get the two confused and we are instructed to be careful when we seek advice from others that both knowledge and wisdom ought to be evident in their lives before we apply their advice to ours.
I find in life that some people like to give advice, but their lives are foolish and lack common sense. There is no fruit of wisdom in their lives, so their wisdom must be discounted. Still other people like to give advice but don’t like to receive it. The mature person seeks advice but also qualifies that search by seeking advice from wise people.
If I want advice about my car, I ask my mechanic. If I want advice about my retirement, I ask my financial advisor. If I want advice about my life, I ask God. Solomon tells us that God gives helpful advice to everyone who obeys Him and that His advice can be counted on to be wise. God is the epitome of wisdom and the author of all knowledge. God is like Google on steroids. He knows everything. When we seek advice from God, we are being wise.
Respond
Lord, help me to be slow to speak and quick to listen. In my quest for common sense, help me to seek advice from you—the most credible source of knowledge and wisdom. Help me to test all human advice against your Word.
Barry Slauenwhite
Dr. Barry Slauenwhite is Canadian Regional Director for Best Christian Workplaces Instiute. He is also President Emeritus of Compassion Canada where he has served since 1983. Barry's advocacy for the poor has taken him to 61 countries. From his experience as a pastor and a ministry leader, he passionately works to promote holistic child development through the local church as being the most effective kingdom-building strategy available to the Christian world. Barry's latest book, Strategic Compassion, addresses the theological implications of poverty and draws a conclusion that the gospel is the most effective tool the church has to eradicate poverty.