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.
2. Memorize Scripture.
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
- Write the passage out.
- Read the passage out loud several times.
- 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.
- Listen to the verse set to music if you can find a song. Psalms are easier to find set to music
- When you’ve finally memorized the passage, have someone listen if you’re close.
- Take time to review the passage every few weeks to keep the verses fresh in your mind.
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
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