The Spirit leads us very often through practical wisdom. While there are biblical examples of God leading people by dreams, visions, and angelic visitations, wisdom is still the primary way God leads his people. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 According to Proverbs 2:6, God is the source of all wisdom "For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding". In the following paragraphs I want us to take a look at some of the streams through which wisdom flows from it's divine source into our lives.

My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; Proverbs 1:8. What a treasure it is to be raised in a Godly home by Christian parents. The little eyes that see father and mother worshiping God, the little ears that hear the prayers of their parents are blessed indeed. If you were not fortunate enough to experience these blessings for yourself, you can only imagine what you missed. Whether believers or not our parents teach us so much. Fathers pass on to their sons the skills they need to earn a living. Mothers teach daughters how to manage a household and tenderly care for children. Those who are parents have this awesome responsibility to "train up a child in the way he should go," and the written promise of God that "when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

Prayer is a great stream of wisdom. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.James 1:5. The first one we are to go to for advice is the Source of all wisdom Himself. So many voices clamor for our attention. So many are quick to offer advice. All the conflicting information can overload and overwhelm us. How sweet to just steal away into God's presence and seek His council in prayer. And His promise is both generous and sure. He gives liberally, without reproach, and the written guarantee is "It shall be given!"

The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. Psalm 119:130 The Word of God is an invaluable stream of divine wisdom. It gives light! Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105. Look to God's Word for wisdom. You may not find specific instructions form the Bible regarding every detail of your life but the principles of God's word will give you a moral and practical foundation of wisdom that will effect all of your decisions. God gave instruction to Joshua when he became Israel's new leader and was preparing them to cross Jordan and enter the promised land. "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:8

If you are a mediocre musician and you have the opportunity to "jam" with skillful musicians, you will improve far more quickly that you would just practicing by yourself. Your tennis game will improve if you play with better players. In the same way, your life will be enriched if you choose the company of those who are mature in the faith and walk in Godly wisdom. Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.Proverbs 11:14 We were not meant to be lone wolf Christians. We must have fellowship or we will fall. There is safety in numbers. Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established. Proverbs 15:22 Even the best laid plans will not succeed without the wisdom, guidance, and influence of others. No one has ever written a song, authored a book, preached a sermon without the influence of a lifetime of hearing other songs or sermons or reading other books. Our wisdom is an accumulation of things we have learned from others. He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20. Be selective about those who occupy your time. Just as surely as your friends can make you they can, if not wisely chosen, break you.

Experience is the last stream of wisdom I want to mention. There are some things you just won't learn from a book. Nobody can tell you, you just have to find out for yourself. In a negative sence you know this is true. It is also true in a positive sence. No one can get saved for you. No one can believe God and claim His promise for you all the time. Jesus said according to your faith be it unto you. You will have to learn to stand onyour own "Faith legs" as you grow and mature in the Lord. Experience can be a blessing or a curse. While going through it, it can be painful. But once the lesson is learned, experience will help you steer clear of many potential hazzards.