I once had a boss tell me about a phrase she learned during an internship in college. Instead of asking what is the right or wrong thing to do in this situation, ask yourself what is the wise thing to do. I use this all the time not only in my life, but when I work with others as well.
The next question becomes…how do we know what is wise?
“And he said to the human race, “The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.””
Job 28:28 NIV
Does that response in Job help clarify wisdom for you?
Fortunately we have more than this one passage in Job to help shine a light on wisdom. We have the whole book of proverbs as well as so much more that we have read this year. What this passage in Job does is point us to the well of Wisdom.
I don’t know about you, but there are multiple times a day, sometimes an hour when I need wisdom. I don’t drink one glass of water a day, I have to keep going back for more. So is our need for wisdom in life. Job knew this…Job loved this truth…even in the hardest times…especially in the hardest times of his life.
If anyone had a good reason to Chuck Gods wisdom out the window it would be Job. And yet he continued to seek it, search for it and beg for it. Fear of the Lord that is spoken of in Job is acknowledging that all wisdom comes from God. I thank Him every day for so graciously giving it. God does not hoard wisdom… He desires to give it.
Ask, my friends!!! Fear God by admitting you need His wisdom for your life. Boldly ask!
Dear God, sometimes asking for what we need is the hardest part. Admitting our weakness and insecurities is painful and we would much rather keep those parts of us hidden. And yet, you so graciously and mercifully give. Thank you! Thank you for being that kind of God to Job and to us today. Amen.
Mandy
Sixty-six books in a year 