will enable one to know that the wisdom obtained from this

world is not necessarily the kind God approves of. Sometimes they are

drastically different. Examining the word of God for what wisdom does,

we should be able to see a difference between worldly and godly wisdom.

           First of all, in Proverbs 4:5-7, King Solomon writes about the

importance of wisdom. In fact, he calls wisdom “the principal thing”.

Solomon also states, in Proverbs 16:16, that wisdom is far more valuable

than either silver or gold. We should therefore understand that godly

wisdom will keep us from obtaining riches above all else. Godly wisdom

tells us that without an understanding heart, all the money in the world

will do us no good.

           Secondly, wisdom is not a respecter of persons. God speaks and

tells us so: “Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither

take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the

righteous” (Deuteronomy 16:19). Wisdom dictates that we judge things

fairly, without regard to individuality. Using wisdom, people will be able

to determine how a given problem should be handled with no preference

as to whom or what is involved. Wisdom will tell us whether or not a

decision is fair to all involved. It matters not whether the parties

involved are rich or poor, Jew or Gentile, black or white. The sole

consideration should be what God says is right.

           Another quality of a wise person is the desire to listen and learn

from those with experience in a matter. Proverbs 1:5 states it this way:

“A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall

attain unto wise counsels.” Notice that the wise will not seek advice from just

anybody. Those that are wise will seek out the wise in order that their own

wisdom will increase. No one is an expert in everything and everyone

will eventually need help with something. For instance, a newly married

couple might desire to have children but they would need help in

determining how best to raise them. Wisdom says they should seek out

an older couple whose children are grown rather than talking with

parents whose child has yet to reach their first birthday.

          Finally, Jesus teaches us that a wise man will not only listen to God

but will do what is commanded. This is what our Lord is teaching in

Matthew 7:21-25. After telling His disciples about the two paths in life,

Jesus states “…whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken

him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock.” Jesus is that rock that

wise men, and women, build their lives upon. There is not one person on

this earth who can truly be wise without being first being dedicated to

Christ. Of course not everyone will have the same level of wisdom. The

older one gets, the wiser they should become. It is a trait that all should

strive to obtain.