A Call for Wisdom

“In whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3).

In the opening Proverb of Solomon’s written collection, a striking, and provocative image of wisdom emerges. Wisdom personified, shouts in the streets, lifts her voice in the town square, and cries aloud at the city gate. Wisdom calls out to the “naïve ones” asking “how long will you love being simple minded?” (Proverbs 1:22). Even more chilling is the prophetic pronouncement leveled at the self-proclaimed, wise scoffer. “Because I called you and you refused,” shouts wisdom, “and I stretched out my hand and no one paid attention; and you neglected all my counsel and did not want my reproof; I will also laugh at your calamity. I will mock when your dread comes…” (Proverbs 1:24-26).

This text speaks profoundly to the societal and cultural posture of many in political leadership today. Only those, it seems, who are bigoted, biased, or incapable of thinking straight would dare consider abortion, murder, or same-sex marriage as detrimental to our society or pornography as a destructive and perverted degradation of the divine plan for human sexuality rather than a protected right. Wisdom has managed to elude much of our society and ultimately will laugh as calamity comes.

Closer to home, however, is the folly displayed in the typical church today. The preaching of God’s Word has been exchanged, in many cases, for soft-stepping and ego-driven talks on success and prosperity. Sin has been re-defined as acceptable weakness. Worship has become a spectator sport played out before Olympic-style judges, disguised as parishioners, whose scores are determined by ambiance, style, musical “tightness”, and flair. And, the call to live as people from another world has been hijacked by a push to appear as worldly as possible in order to maintain significant relevance within a lost world. That we call wisdom, but true wisdom laughs as calamity continues to befall the foolish church.



Today, like never before, the church needs the wisdom of God in extraordinary proportions. How may we find the wisdom from above to turn us from the point of weak and impotent religion and move us back on the path toward vibrant and effective Kingdom living again? Four simple reminders will be helpful in answering this most important question.

First, we must begin with a return to sincere and vital relationship with Christ. It is still true that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning (foundation) of (true) wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7). Time management guru Stephen Covey said, “Whatever is at the center of our life will be the source of our security, guidance, wisdom, and power.” Unless Christ is firmly established in the center of our lives, divine wisdom will escape us. Intimacy with Christ is the foundation of true wisdom.

Second, the Word of the Lord will reveal divine wisdom. The psalmist, speaking of the Law of the Lord, said that it was able to “make wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7). Relationship with Christ, void of a relationship with His Word, will leave us still woefully lacking in divine wisdom.

Third, the generosity of the Lord should give us great hope. James, after exhorting readers who lacked wisdom, to “ask of God”, reminded them that God will give to them liberally (James 1:5)! God is a generous Creator. His mercy is new every morning and never-ending, His grace is super-abounding, His faithfulness reaches to the heavens, and His love cannot be quenched. His meting out of wisdom to those who ask also comes in generous portions.

Finally, the reliability of divine wisdom can be trusted because it is anchored in the steadfastness of God’s character. James noted further, that “every good and perfect gift cometh down from heaven, from the Father of lights, in whom there is no variableness or shadow of turning” (James 1:17). Contrasted with the celestial lights (sun, moon, stars) which are in constant motion and ever shifting and over which He wields authority, the faithfulness of God stands firm and without even a momentary hint of turning or changing. His wisdom therefore, is reliable and stands the test of time.

True wisdom is found in relationship with Christ, revealed in His Word, manifested through His generosity, and never, ever fails. May we turn again to Him, root ourselves deeply in His Word, and enjoy the marvelous benefits of his abundant and faithful wisdom.