Get it today, not tomorrow. It is possible in this life that we may need something but lack the means to get it today. I repeat though, “get it today,” but what are we to get? And why today, not tomorrow? “To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Hebrews 4:7. Because “there is a day that God hath appointed for the close of this world’s history. . . . The day is at hand when the destiny of every soul will be fixed forever. . . . Great pains should be taken to keep this subject before the people. The solemn fact is to be kept not only before the people of the world, but before our own churches also, that the day of the Lord will come suddenly, unexpectedly.” –Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 335–336 (1895). “We are nearing the great day of God. The signs are fulfilling.” –Last Day Events, p. 33. God gives us only one day of life at a time. We are not promised tomorrow. (See Proverbs 27:1, 23, 24). Today is the day to do our best and endeavour to follow the will of God. There will be no opportunity in the grave to which we are all going, but know not when.
Are you wise, yes or no? Or just sometimes? If somebody comes, observes your words and actions and tells you, “my dear you are not wise,” how would you feel? What is the opposite of wisdom? It is, foolishness, stupidity, etc. Wisdom is needed by everyone.
“But, where can wisdom be found?” Learning is intended to make us wise. Education is said to be absolutely necessary for success in today’s world. But we can become so absorbed in striving for temporal success that we lose sight of the purpose of true education. Sometimes we fail to reach the most important goals. Education is deemed necessary for academic success with financial security as the ultimate goal.
Our world tends to extol the virtues of knowledge. Those whose minds are capable of storing a multitude of facts are thought to be especially intelligent. Notice, however, that Solomon presents the essence of true education. Knowledge without wisdom ultimately is not worth much. The wise person knows how to interpret and apply available knowledge. Knowledge has value when it is wisely used for the uplifting of humanity.
Wisdom
“The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.” Proverbs 15:33. Wisdom is needed by every one of us. When meditating on wisdom, Job asked: “But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding? Whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding?” Job 28:12, 20
Showing its value, he states: “Man knoweth not the price thereof; neither is it found in the land of the living. The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me. It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onxy, or the sapphire. The gold and the crystal cannot equal it: and the exchange of it shall not be for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral, or of pearls: for the price of wisdom is above rubies. The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, neither shall it be valued with pure gold. Seeing it is hid from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the fowls of the air.” Job 28:13–19, 21
In the following verses Job reveals the source of wisdom: “God understandeth the way thereof, and He knoweth the place thereof. For He looketh to the ends of the earth, and seeth under the whole heaven. And unto man He said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” Job 28: 23–24, 28
What Job is saying is that man is able to find treasures that are hidden, but wisdom is beyond his grasp. Job compares wisdom to material possessions. But, there is no precious metal or stone that can be compared to the value of wisdom. Wisdom belongs to God. For man, the only way to wisdom is through God. God grants wisdom according to a person’s efforts to seek after Him.
Job explains clearly that wisdom cannot be compared to earthly possessions. For example, one cannot add cars to animals as if they belong to the same category (15 cars + 5 cats = 20 what? It makes no sense). Money constitutes material possession, wisdom is a spiritual entity. The two categories cannot be bridged. There is, however, a bridge between wisdom and fellowship with God. Blessed is the person who understands that wisdom is linked to fellowship with the Creator and not to the earthly goods he possesses. This is why Solomon asked for wisdom more than earthly riches.
“Give me now wisdom and knowledge that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this Thy people, that is so great? And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honour, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge My people, over whom I have made thee king: Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.” 2 Chronicles 1:10–12
Solomon knew that wisdom is above everything. He prayed for it, and his prayer was answered. “Solomon, in his youth, made David’s choice his own. Pure and noble in character, he was named Jedidiah, the beloved of the Lord. . . . The Lord imparted to Solomon the wisdom that he desired above earthly riches, honor, or long life. His petition for a quick mind, a large heart, and a tender spirit, was granted. He became the wisest of earthly monarchs, because God gave him superior wisdom and an understanding heart.” –The Review and Herald, October 19, 1905
It is sad to note that much of what the world esteems as wisdom is, in reality, worthless. “Worldly wisdom is foolishness with God. Those who rely upon it will surely err.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 354
Moses knew that God is the only source of true wisdom. Before his death, he encouraged the congregation of Israel, with these words, “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” Deuteronomy 4:2, 6. In his prayer in Psalm 90:12, Moses says “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” Without wisdom, we are not able to number our days. There is no true wisdom apart from “the fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). This is not referring to fear in the sense of being afraid. We fear God when we reverence and respect Him. (See Exodus 20:20). The ability to act wisely in every situation of life stems from a close connection with God by which the humble believer becomes a sharer of His holy character.
When the old life of sin has been put away, and Christ has been given control of mind, body, emotions, motives, and plans, the practices of the believer will be wise. (See Colossians 3:5–10). When the Lord has control of a mind through the power of His Spirit, that mind is a wise, and righteous mind.
Throughout history, people who feared the Lord were shown to have wisdom in their service. “And all the women that were wise hearted did spin with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, both of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine linen. And all the women whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun goats’ hair.” Exodus 35:25–26. “Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded.” Exodus 36:1
Since wisdom is the fear of the Lord and the keeping of His commandments, let us obtain it today. Once we have obtained it, we can sing with the psalmist as follows:
“Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget Thy commandments. Thou through Thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Thy word. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I hate vain thoughts: but Thy law do I love. Order my steps in Thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Teach me, O LORD, the way of Thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me Thy law graciously. I have chosen
the way of truth: Thy judgments have I laid before me. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken Thou me in Thy way. I keep Thy law continually for ever and ever.” Psalm 119:115, 176, 98-101, 105, 113, 133, 34, 33, 29, 30, 37, 44
“I am a stranger in the earth: hide not Thy commandments from me. Make me to understand the way of Thy precepts: so shall I talk of Thy wondrous works. I will run the way of Thy commandments, when Thou shalt enlarge my heart. Make me to go in the path of Thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto Thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. I will speak of Thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. I will delight myself in Thy commandments, which I have loved. My hands also will I lift up unto Thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in Thy statutes. At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto Thee because of Thy righteous judgments. I am a companion of all them that fear Thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts. Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed Thy commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept Thy word. I will keep Thy precepts with my whole heart. It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes. The law of Thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver. They that fear Thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in Thy word. I hope in Thy word. Give me understanding, that I may know Thy testimonies. All Thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help Thou me. Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep Thy precepts.” Psalm 119:19, 27, 32, 35, 36, 46-48, 62, 63, 66, 67, 69, 71, 72, 74, 81, 125, 86, 134
Get it today. “If you are right with God today, you are ready if Christ should come today.” –In Heavenly Places, p. 227. Obtaining wisdom is possible today. Be firm in your decision to obtain wisdom. We must live “As If Each Day Might Be Our Last. We should watch and work and pray as though this were the last day that would be granted us. Our only safety is in doing our work for each day as it comes, working, watching, waiting, every moment relying on the strength of Him who was dead and who is alive again, who lives forevermore. Each morning consecrate yourselves and your children to God for that day. Make no calculation for months or years; these are not yours. One brief day is given you. As if it were your last on earth, work during its hours for the Master. Lay all your plans before God, to be carried out or given up, as His providence shall indicate.” –Last Day Events, p. 77
In every age people have sacrificed to obtain knowledge that was regarded as acceptable in their social situation. In some periods throughout history philosophical knowledge was of greatest value. Today, scientific knowledge is regarded by many as of greater value than either philosophical or religious knowledge. The kind of knowledge that God invites us to receive is an experience in holiness. To know by experience Christ’s saving grace opens for us the gates of the New Jerusalem.
Knowledge and wisdom are not the same. Wisdom is knowing how to use knowledge correctly. Unless our knowledge connects us to the Source of all wisdom and righteousness, and unless through His power we are being restored to His image, with our sights fixed on eternity, all acquired knowledge falls short of being true wisdom, for they do not make us truly wise.
Paul wrote: “The foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” 1 Corinthians 1:25. What is of greater value to you, an education that the world values or a personal union with Christ? If you are a parent, what are you more interested in your children having? Suppose they are confronted with a choice between achieving recognition in the world and obeying the commandments of God; how would you advise them? Are you seeking the kind of wisdom that comes from God, or that which the world values? How would you define the difference between these two kinds of wisdom?
Wisdom for home and family: Much wisdom is needed when dealing with your family members; spouse, parents, children or anyone who is related to you. “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” James 3:13–18
“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.” 1 Corinthians 3:18–20
Wisdom in behaviour: “The children of God are called to be representatives of Christ, showing forth the goodness and mercy of the Lord. As Jesus has revealed to us the true character of the Father, so we are to reveal Christ to a world that does not know His tender, pitying love. . . . The apostle Paul says to the disciples of Jesus, ‘Ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ,’ ‘known and read of all men.’ 2 Corinthians 3:3, 2. In every one of His children, Jesus sends a letter to the world. If you are Christ’s follower, He sends in you a letter to the family, the village, the street, where you live. Jesus, dwelling in you, desires to speak to the hearts of those who are not acquainted with Him. Perhaps they do not read the Bible, or do not hear the voice that speaks to them in its pages; they do not see the love of God through His works. But if you are a true representative of Jesus, it may be that through you they will be led to understand something of His goodness and be won to love and serve Him.” –Steps to Christ, p. 115
Wisdom in seeking wisdom: How do I learn to depend on Christ to direct my steps? How can I come to the point of accepting His leading in my life? How will my life change when I cease living it in my own independent way, and allow God to recreate me into a true disciple bearing the image of His Son?
Wisdom for industry and work: Work hard but faithfully. Pray always. Submit yourself to your employer and obey. “The Christian in his business life is to represent to the world the manner in which our Lord would conduct business enterprises. In every transaction he is to make it manifest that God is his teacher.
“‘Holiness unto the Lord’ is to be written upon daybooks and ledgers, on deeds, receipts, and bills of exchange. Those who profess to be followers of Christ, and who deal in an unrighteous manner, are bearing false witness against the character of a holy, just, and merciful God.
“Every converted soul will, like Zacchaeus, signalize the entrance of Christ into his heart by an abandonment of the unrighteous practices that have marked his life. Like the chief publican, he will give proof of his sincerity by making restitution. The Lord says, ‘If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; . . . none of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: . . . He shall surely live.’ Ezekiel 33:15, 16.” –The Desire of Ages, p. 556
Wisdom among unbelievers: “In the work of soul-winning, great tact and wisdom are needed. The Saviour never suppressed the truth, but He uttered it always in love. In His intercourse with others, He exercised the greatest tact, and He was always kind and thoughtful. He was never rude, never needlessly spoke a severe word, never gave unnecessary pain to a sensitive soul. He did not censure human weakness. He fearlessly denounced hypocrisy, unbelief, and iniquity, but tears were in His voice as He uttered His scathing rebukes. He never made truth cruel, but ever manifested a deep tenderness for humanity. Every soul was precious in His sight. He bore Himself with divine dignity; yet He bowed with the tenderest compassion and regard to every member of the family of God. He saw in all, souls whom it was His mission to save.” –Gospel Workers, p. 117
Be Wise with your coworkers: “Ye are the light of the world. Let your light so shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14, 16. “Christians are set as light bearers on the way to heaven. They are to reflect to the world the light shining upon them from Christ. Their life and character should be such that through them others will get a right conception of Christ and of His service.” –Steps to Christ, p. 115
Wisdom from church members: Do I learn from the experience of others, or do I insist on trying everything myself?
Wisdom in your actions and reactions: “We must give others an example of not stopping at every trifling offense in order to vindicate our rights. We may expect that false reports will circulate about us; but if we follow a straight course, if we remain indifferent to these things, others will also be indifferent. Let us leave to God the care of our reputation. And thus, like sons and daughters of God, we shall show that we have self-control. We shall show that we are led by the Spirit of God, and that we are slow to anger. Slander can be lived down by our manner of living; it is not lived down by words of indignation.” –The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 1161
Wisdom in maintaining unitey among our brothers: We need to be peacemakers, and live peacefully with all men. “Let us cherish a spirit of confidence in the wisdom of our brethren. We must be willing to take advice and caution from our fellow laborers. . . . It is a mistake to
withdraw from those who do not agree with our ideas. This will not inspire our brethren with confidence in our judgment. It is our duty to counsel with our brethren, and to heed their advice. We are to seek their counsel, and when they give it, we are not to cast it away, as if they were our enemies. Unless we humble our hearts before God, we shall not know His will. Let us be determined to be in unity with our brethren. This duty God has placed upon us. We shall make their hearts glad by following their counsel, and make ourselves strong through the influence that this will give us. Moreover, if we feel that we do not need the counsel of our brethren, we close the door of our usefulness as counselors to them.” –Testimonies to Ministers, p. 500
Wisdom for your speech: Do you need to improve your speech? Do it today. There is a saying that, “It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak up and remove all doubt.” We need always to be swift to hear, but slow to speak, slow to anger. The crucial question is “Does my heart instruct my mouth? Is the wisdom that God has made available evident in my speech?” Wisdom is needed to be victorious. We must be found without “guile” in our mouths.
Many Christians have overlooked the importance of speech in preparing the character for heaven. “Speech is one of the great gifts of God. It is the means by which the thoughts of the heart are communicated. It is with the tongue that we offer prayer and praise to God. With the tongue we convince and persuade. With the tongue we comfort and bless, soothing the bruised, wounded soul. With the tongue we may make known the wonders of the grace of God. With the tongue also we may utter perverse things, speaking words that sting like an adder.” –The Review and Herald, May 12, 1910
Wisdom in thoughts: The Revised Standard Version translates Proverbs 14:15: “The simple believes everything, but the prudent looks where he is going.” There is need of wisdom in planning for the future. To put aside savings to take care of future expenses is not contrary to God’s will. Insofar as this is possible, it is the prudent thing to do. The counsel given to one person applies, in principle, to each of us: “Every week you should lay by in some secure place five or ten dollars not to be used up unless in case of sickness. With economy you may place something at interest. With wise management you can save something after paying your debts.” –Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 329
Wisdom in your relationships: “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20. Since we are inevitably influenced by our friends, let us choose them wisely. As we grow closer to God, we will also be drawn into closer unity with those who are likeminded. “You must not walk independently of all counsel. It is your duty to counsel with your brethren. This may touch your pride, but the humility of a mind taught by the Holy Spirit will listen to counsel, and will banish all self-confidence. When counsel is given that conflicts with your personal wishes, you are not to think that your own wisdom is sufficient for you to give counsel to others, or that you can afford to neglect the counsel given.” –Testimonies to Ministers, p. 315
Wisdom in all: “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we intreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.”1 Corinthians 4:10–13
The wisdom that comes from God ensures the right use of knowledge and leads to eternal success.
“The fear of the Lord lies at the very foundation of all progress; it is the beginning of wisdom. . . . As you are bought with a price, even the precious blood of the Son of God, He requires that you make a right use of the privileges you enjoy. Your intellectual and moral faculties are God’s gifts, talents intrusted to you for wise improvement. . . . It is for you to determine whether or not the weighty responsibilities that rest upon you shall be faithfully met, whether or not your efforts shall be well directed and your best.” –Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 85
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:15–20. Let us end with this wonderful verse: “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.” Romans 16:27. May the Lord help us to get wisdom to hear and benefit from their instruction.
Victor Shumbusho, DR Congo