He Is Our Wisdom
The Holy Spirit | The God I Never Knew
Holy Spirit 2023 Series:
He Is Present | He Helps Us | He Is Our Wisdom | He Is Our Comforter | He Is Our Counselor | He Is Our Helper | He Is Our Intercessor | He Is Our Advocate
Ask for the Gift of Wisdom
Wisdom in the Old Testament describes the practical skills associated with living a successful life. These range from the ability to create highly skilled works to the intellectual capability required to make choices that result in favorable outcomes and avoid troubles (see Longman, Job, 55; Crenshaw, Old Testament Wisdom, 3). In the Bible, wisdom is often associated with trust in and fear of God
(Deut 4:6; Prov 1:7).
Martin A. Shields, “Wisdom,” ed. John D. Barry et al., The Lexham Bible Dictionary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).
Wisdom. Making choices that result in favorable outcomes and avoid troubles.
Not too long ago, I found myself in a stressful situation in which the choice I’d make would either help me avoid troubles or cause an already fraught situation to escalate and increase in troubles for me and those around me.
The stressful situation involved watching a person verbally and psychologically abuse another while a small group of us waited for a class to begin. At first, I couldn’t believe my ears. Why was Person A being so mean to Person B, who cowered in response? I felt my blood begin to boil and my heart race. The “sheepdog” in me began to form plans on how to protect the cowering sheep (Person B).
James 1:5 (ESV)
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
Lord, help!
A shotgun prayer, I know, but I felt upset. I believe the Holy Spirit lives in me and is always with me. I got up from my chair and walked over to where the assistant stood, and poured out my heart. I found out she felt the same way about Person A as I did, and she felt very frustrated.
“Abuser! Abusive!”
“What a B——!” (The assistant said this.)
We both felt angry and frustrated, and unsure of what to do. Do I take things into my own hands? Tell Person A to stop bullying Person B? At that point, as the assistant and I fumed while we chatted together, a thought popped into my mind.
Go talk with the manager of the facility.
I walked out of the classroom and to the manager’s office. I’m grateful I listened to that still, small voice in me and didn’t take matters into my own hands.
Proverbs 4:7 (NLT)
7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do!
And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.
The manager was very familiar with Person A and Person B. As we talked, I found out that Person B wasn’t a victim but an abuser, verbally and psychologically. And, that Person A was still suffering from a debilitating medical condition, recently diagnosed, that altered Person A’s ability to communicate. As a result, Person A would, out of frustration, lash out at others.
When I walked back into the classroom, Persons A and B had decided to leave. The others in the room quietly chatted with each other. Laughter occasionally rose above the conversations like colorful balloons. Serenity reigned, and I sat down in my chair, grateful I had asked the Lord for help. I thanked His Holy Spirit for guiding me toward wisdom that resulted in a favorable outcome and avoided troubles.
Colossians 3:16 (NLT)
16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
Your Turn
As you’re able, spend time this week meditating on the good news of Christ’s message. Invite the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom as you explore Jesus’ journey with a fresh perspective. Go on a treasure hunt for pearls of wisdom from His life, from His ministry. Write down a few thoughts, and then ask the Holy Spirit to help you grow and change, to be more like Christ.
Let’s pray:
Holy Spirit, thank You that You offer the gift of wisdom to me when I need it. I open my heart to receive a word of wisdom from You today.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Conversation & Community
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