“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” Proverbs 8: 10-11 (NIV)
I laughed when I read the T-shirt: “I’m pretty sure my last words will be, ‘Well that didn’t work!’” But then, I looked at the port-a-crib I’d assembled without instructions. I remembered my frustration when the side popped up and nearly gave me a black eye. It had taken me twenty minutes to assemble something which should have taken one.
I sighed as I surveyed my work and realized it wasn’t funny. After all, this is how I live my life. I jump in without thought or prayer. I never ask for help. Then, after I’ve made a mess of it, I beg God to help me. If only I would pray and ask God for help first. I could save myself so much trouble!
But, I’ve never been good at asking for help. Perhaps it stems from having a vision disability. I’ve always felt the need to prove I’m as capable as everyone else. Perhaps it stems from living in a society where people are encouraged to excel and achieve wealth, power, and beauty, then proclaim their successes on social media. I honestly don’t know why I feel compelled to assert such control over my life.
While I sat there, chastising myself for my impulsive, controlling behavior, I sensed the Holy Spirit whispering, “This is not how I desire you to live because I love you.” Being the impulsive person I am, I grabbed my Bible and began looking up verses on wisdom and instruction from God.
I discovered the Bible instructs us to pray and seek God’s wisdom in everything we do. But this beautiful verse stood out because it depicted God’s wisdom as a treasure. “Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her” (Proverbs 8: 10-11, NIV).
Wisdom is a treasure greater than human impulse, intelligence, or information. So, not only is it okay to ask God for help, He encourages us to seek His wisdom. Seeking wisdom means searching for God’s perspective. Once we’ve found it, we can apply His directions to our lives.
So how can we find Godly wisdom?
- Read the Bible.
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV).
- Pray.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
- Ask Christian mentors and leaders.
“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22, ESV).
When we build a close relationship with God, we can align our choices with His divine counsel. We can trust Him, rather than acting in our strength, or doing what feels right. Then His Spirit will whisper words of truth and direction into our lives.
Father God, Thank you for the precious treasure of your wisdom. Please help me choose to seek your Godly perspective in all I do rather than act on my desires or impulses. My heart longs to love and trust you so I can make wise choices. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
