Since wisdom comes from God, and we have the Holy Spirit, we have the power to make wise decisions. Wisdom is what guides us through life with a higher purpose that helps us make sound decisions. 

With that being said, I suppose all of us could use just a little more wisdom, regardless of how young or how old we are. I am sure we older folk can look back over our lives and shake our heads at some of the unwise decisions we made and possibly caused some setbacks in life. Don’t start beating up on yourself, because all of us have made some mistakes because we simply did not use good common sense or wisdom.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines wisdom as the ability to use your knowledge and experience to make good sound decisions and judgements.

Have you ever been in a position to ask yourself the question, “How could I have made such a dumb decision or how could I have been so foolish?” Yes, I am sure all of us have asked that question. I often pray to God that he would give me wisdom in making everyday decisions, including my family, church, finances, health, well-being, successes, etc. Start today adding the request for wisdom from God in your prayers. It may save you from a lot of heartaches and pain.

One reason I want to share with you today the word wisdom is because so many scams and tricks are being played on the elderly that we must wise up. Violence in our streets is increasing.  Don’t let the enemy trick you into doing something that will cause you to regret the decision you make in these unprecedented times. I can remember hearing these words, “If it appears to be too good to be true, then it probably is.

Benjamin Franklin said it best, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

My experience has always been that a wise person is a person who is optimistic even when having to face life’s difficulties. A person may be intelligent, educated and an intellectual, but still lack wisdom.

The Bible says in Proverbs 4:6-7, “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore, get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Throughout the book of Proverbs, Solomon encourages us to “get wisdom” (Proverbs 4:5).

I believe much of our wisdom has come via life experiences and maturity. There are still ways I believe we can acquire wisdom or improve upon it at the same time.  (1) Pray for it. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given unto you.” I love the story about Solomon and how he prayed to God for wisdom as we can see in 2 Chronicles 1:11-12. “And God said to Solomon: Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life; but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king.”  (2) Look for it. As Solomon says, we must “look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure” (Proverbs 2:4) and (3) Receive instruction and guidance from people who walk closely with God who may serve as advisors when we need help.   

We have already mentioned how we may have not made some wise decision earlier in life, but now give God thanks for those times he blessed us with wisdom. It takes wisdom to be a good parent, a good spouse, a solid Christian, pastor, a success, a good human being, etc.

All of us have had to take the lead at some point in our lives, and we have had to make some tough decision. Wisdom is what brought us through the tough and good times.   

To the young, wisdom is not only for the elderly, for I have seen some very wise youth and young adults. We usually hear wisdom being applied to the more senior, but it is not a prerequisite.

Jonathan Edwards says it best, “A truly humble man is sensible of his natural distance from God…of insufficiency of his own power and wisdom…and that he needs God’s wisdom to lead and guide him, and His might to enable him to do what he sought to do for Him.”   

I believe we are living in perilous times and wisdom is needed in all areas of our lives like never before.

Not a sermon, just my thoughts!

Robert Earl Slade, Pastor