Today’s 333 Devotional: “What is wisdom?”

There are various definitions of wisdom. Webster defines it as the ability to make right use of knowledge. One person defined it as the ability to know that while a tomato is a fruit, wisdom is knowing not to use it in a fruit salad.

Wisdom is the ability to discern what is true or right. One theological dictionary defines wisdom as “prudent, considered, experienced, and competent action to master the various problems of life.”

Wisdom, therefore, has both moral implications, discerning what is right; and intellectual implications, discerning what is true. Wisdom, therefore, involves the practical use of knowledge that enables a person to make right choices that honor God.

Someone said that wisdom is the God-given ability to perceive the true nature of a matter and to implement the will of God in that matter.

The Hebrew word translated “wisdom” usually refers to a skill or ability that has been given by God. Wisdom, therefore, is having the skills to live life according to God’s plan.

The wise person is someone that patterns his or her finances, goals, relationships, and every aspect of life according to the specifications revealed in God’s Word. And what God’s word reveals is that all true wisdom begins with and comes directly from God.

“The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:28 NKJV)

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7 NIV)

From a biblical perspective, if a person does not know God, who created all things, who has revealed truth and established absolute values, then that person cannot be wise. Therefore, a wisdom-filled heart begins with the fear of God. That is, having reverent relationship with God, which means having a deep respect, love, and awe of God in our lives

This is at the heart of a well-known verse in the Bible about having a heart of wisdom, which is Proverbs 3:5-6.