Wisdom Wednesday: Practical Steps to Wisdom by Malissa Chapin

 Practical Steps to Wisdom

by: Malissa Chapin ( Malissa Chapin) 

 

[Message from Debbie: Many thanks to the writers that have agreed to blog here in my absence. I hope these authors provide another perspective besides my own on the topics that the Lord laid on their hearts. In my absence, I plan on completing chapter 19 as well as figuring out what the future holds in terms of dad’s health and surgery being rescheduled. Long story short, doctors became concerned that his blood pressure was too high. So, they canceled his surgery and insisted he go see a cardiologist before they reschedule. Update: My dad got the go-ahead and called the scheduler to see if they could fit him in again.]

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 (KJV)

 

     I don’t know anyone who wishes to be a fool; we all desire wisdom. But are we actually wise? Are we willing to do what God says to do to gain wisdom? How do we even get wisdom?

    Too often, I think of wisdom as something to attain in old age—gray-haired grannies dispense wisdom like candy. I love many wise gray-haired women and am thankful for their influence in my life, but God doesn’t reserve wisdom for gray-haired old ladies and gentlemen. The good news about God’s wisdom is that we don’t have to wait for old age. God will give us wisdom right now.

What is wisdom? 

    Martin H. Manser, in his book Dictionary of Bible Themes, describes wisdom as “The quality of knowledge, discernment and understanding characteristic of God himself.”

How do I get wisdom?

     Ask!

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 (KJV)

 Where do I find wisdom?

      The Sunday School answer is “the Bible,” but God’s Word is the correct answer. The source of wisdom is our Bible.

    The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 19:7 (KJV)

 

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; Proverbs 2:6 (ESV)

      What are some practical ways to gain wisdom?

1.     Read God’s Word

        My mom always read one Proverb a day and her other Bible reading. The book of Proverbs contains thirty-one chapters and can be read in a month. A bonus to reading a Proverbs a day is that you always know which Proverb you should read by the day of the month. *If you get behind, don’t worry. You’ll read it next month. Feel free to skip ahead to the correct number Proverb and catch the one you missed on your next read-through.

    We visited a church on vacation, and the speaker shared that when he was a young boy, his father made him read one Proverbs a day to “idiot-proof” him. We laugh about the idea now; That's exactly what we should focus on. The pull of the world, media, and false teaching easily fills our minds and hearts. Instead, we should fill our hearts and minds with the wisdom of God’s word.

 

2.     Memorize Scripture.

 Oh how I love your law!  It is my meditation all the day. Psalm 119:97 (ESV)            

          What better way to meditate day and night on Scripture than memorizing passages?

Memorizing the Bible benefits you in multiple ways, but wisdom is an excellent reason to memorize God’s word.   f you’re not sure where to start, try Psalm 1, Psalm 23, 1 Corinthians 13, or Ephesians 6:10-20.

Memorization tips—pick one or two

1.   Write the passage out.
2.   Read the passage out loud several times.
3.  Say the verse out loud a phrase at a time. Repeat until you’ve memorized that phrase then add another phrase and repeat until you’ve memorized the new phrase.
4.   Listen to the verse set to music if you can find a song. Psalms are easier to find set to music
5.   When you’ve finally memorized the passage, have someone listen if you’re close.
6.   Take time to review the passage every few weeks to keep the verses fresh in your mind.

 When I was in elementary school, we sang this song. The words ran through my mind as I wrote on wisdom and I’d like to share it with you today.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-ykfw3-i7s

 

“…so in Christ are hid all the treasures of the wisdom and knowledge of God.” John Huss

 

 

 

 

^[1] Martin H. Manser, Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies (London: Martin Manser, 2009).