Godly wisdom, as described in the Bible, is the wisdom that comes from God and is based on His truth and righteousness. At its core, godly wisdom recognizes that true wisdom begins with reverence for God and obedience to His commands (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). Some key characteristics of godly wisdom include:
Godly Wisdom Comes from God
The source of godly wisdom is God Himself. It is not something we can obtain through human effort or intelligence alone. Rather, it is given by God to those who earnestly seek Him:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)
God gives wisdom through His Word, the Bible. As we study Scripture, we gain insight into God’s character, truth, and righteous ways:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
The Holy Spirit also guides believers into godly wisdom:
“Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.” (1 Corinthians 2:12)
Godly Wisdom Leads to Righteous Living
A key purpose of godly wisdom is to instruct and guide us in living righteously before God. Whereas worldly wisdom caters to sinful desires, godly wisdom helps us resist temptation and walk in God’s ways.
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)
Godly wisdom transforms our hearts and renews our minds to align more with God’s perfect will (Romans 12:2). It enables us to discern right from wrong and make choices that please God.
Godly Wisdom Produces Good Fruit
True wisdom from God bears good fruit in the lives of believers and blesses others. The book of James contrasts the effects of earthly wisdom, which is self-seeking and envious, with godly wisdom:
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:17-18)
As we walk in godly wisdom, we become more loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and self-controlled (Galatians 5:22-23). Our speech is seasoned with grace and we exercise discernment in our interactions (Colossians 4:6, Philippians 1:9-10).
Godly Wisdom Leads to Salvation
A foundational truth revealed in God’s Word is that we cannot save ourselves through human wisdom or effort. Salvation is made possible only through trusting in Jesus Christ:
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Godly wisdom leads us to acknowledge our need for a Savior and accept God’s gracious gift of redemption through Christ. As we grow in godly wisdom, we gain a greater appreciation of the gospel.
Godly Wisdom Values What God Values
Godly wisdom aligns our priorities and values with God’s kingdom values. Rather than chasing after worldly success, prestige or wealth, godly wisdom motivates us to pursue righteousness, faithfulness, love and service.
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15)
Godly wisdom fixes our hope on eternal treasures rather than temporary, earthly rewards (Matthew 6:19-21). It enables us to view life from an eternal perspective.
Godly Wisdom Promotes Humility
Because it comes from God, godly wisdom fosters humility in believers. We recognize that true wisdom is a gift from God, not something we can earn or boast about.
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)
The wisdom of this world promotes self-centered pride. But godly wisdom produces gratitude, dependence on God and a realistic view of ourselves as limited creatures in need of God’s grace and redemption.
Godly Wisdom Brings Peace
Earthly wisdom based on selfish ambition often leads to strife and discord. In contrast, wisdom from above yields peaceable fruit:
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)
As we apply godly wisdom, it settles anxieties, calms fears, answers doubts, and provides direction and hope. Even amidst trials, godly wisdom gives supernatural peace as we trust in God’s sovereign plans (Philippians 4:6-7).
Godly Wisdom Prepares Us for Eternity
Temporal worldly wisdom only equips us for this lifetime on earth. But godly wisdom prepares our hearts and minds for eternity with God:
“Wisdom is protection just as money is protection. But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12)
Godly wisdom helps keep eternity in view so that we number our days and live purposefully (Psalm 90:12). It motivates us to store up eternal treasures rather than earthly ones (Matthew 6:19-21).
Cultivating Godly Wisdom
Here are some keys to growing in godly wisdom:
– Study the Bible regularly and meditate on Scripture
– Pray for wisdom and discernment
– Walk closely with God in obedience to His Word
– Submit to the convicting and guiding of the Holy Spirit
– Fellowship with wise and mature Christians
– Learn from faithful mentors and teachers
– Value God’s truth above man’s wisdom or popular culture
Trusting God’s Plan
A crucial aspect of godly wisdom is trusting God even when His ways don’t make sense to our finite minds. His thoughts and plans are infinitely higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9).
During trials and hardships, godly wisdom enables us to rest in God’s sovereign control over all circumstances. We can thank Him in everything, knowing He works all things together for our good according to His purposes (Romans 8:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:18).
Fear of the Lord
The fear of the Lord is the foundation for wisdom and the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10). This reverential fear involves awe, respect, trust, and obedience toward God.
Through godly wisdom, we gain a deeper appreciation for God’s holiness, majesty, and authority over our lives. This fuels greater love and worship toward Him as we submit to His lordship.
Walking in Wisdom
Godly wisdom is not just intellectual knowledge. It transforms how we think, speak, and live our daily lives. We must actively walk in wisdom by applying it to our relationships, work, ministry, finances, time management, and all areas.
“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)
Seeking Counsel
An indication of godly wisdom is recognizing we don’t have all the answers and seeking wise counsel from believers mature in the faith. Their insights can help us apply Scriptural principles correctly with discernment.
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14)
Bridling the Tongue
A tangible way to walk in wisdom is by controlling our speech. Godly wisdom tames the tongue and allows us to avoid foolish arguments, unwholesome talk, and hurtful words.
“Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” (Proverbs 17:27)
Imparting Wisdom to Others
As we grow in godly wisdom, we can pass it on to others through discipleship, counseling, teaching, and everyday example. This multiplies godly wisdom in the Body of Christ.
“The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.” (Proverbs 10:21)
Fools Reject Wisdom
Tragically, those who reject godly wisdom are on a path to destruction. Fools despise wisdom and exalt their own faulty thinking.
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15)
Pray for Discernment
We must pray for discernment to distinguish godly wisdom from mere human wisdom that is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic (James 3:13-15). All truth aligns with God’s Word.
“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)
Jesus Christ Embodies all Wisdom
Jesus Christ is the embodiment and fulfillment of perfect wisdom from God. He is the long-awaited Messiah who delivers salvation, imparts true knowledge about God, and teaches us righteousness.
“For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:22-24)
Conclusion
Godly wisdom is a precious gift from God that transforms every area of our lives. As we reverently fear God and obey His Word, He graciously imparts His perspective and truth to us through Scripture and the Holy Spirit. This wisdom bears righteous fruit, brings peace, fosters humility, values eternal things, and most importantly, draws us closer to Jesus Christ, the embodiment of perfect wisdom.
