Proverbs 2:6

There is only one Source of wisdom. To look anywhere else is foolish and wasteful. All wisdom is from the LORD God, and He gives it to whomsoever He will. Knowledge and understanding are also His gifts, and He speaks them by His Spirit, word, and preachers.

Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding are related aspects of the ability to judge rightly – to know the right moral or practical solution for unique dilemmas or situations. They are the means by which you can identify truth and error, right and wrong, good and evil. They are the conditions for a blessed and successful life of peace and righteousness. Wisdom is not measured by IQ, degrees, or achievements. Wisdom is superior to these.

Human intelligence is not a source of wisdom. Intelligence is often a handicap. A humble laborer of modest intelligence that fears and obeys God will have greater wisdom than a proud genius trusting his analytical but depraved mind. For the LORD giveth wisdom! Parents, do not grieve over a below average child; you can teach him wisdom that will bring favor with God and men. Wisdom and character are worth more than intelligence.

Human education is not a source of wisdom. Education can be a handicap. A laborer with little formal education that fears God will surpass the city boy with a Ph.D. in molecular science. For the LORD giveth wisdom! The one sees God in every aspect of his simple life; the other hallucinates about big bang theories and his monkey mother. God has declared war against this approach to wisdom (I Cor 1:19-20; 3:18-20; I Tim 6:20-21).

Human diligence is not a source of wisdom. Though men seeking wisdom should apply themselves energetically to its pursuit (Pr 2:4; 18:1; II Tim 2:15), unless God blesses the effort, it will be in vain (Ps 127:1-2; Eccl 8:17). While reading and studying, a godly man must ask the Lord to guide and prosper his way (Ps 119:18; Mat 13:17; Ep 1:17-18). The Pharisees and scribes knew the letter of scripture very well, but not with understanding.

Man comes into this world like a wild ass’s colt, and he goes out the same way (Job 11:12; Eccl 3:19-21). During his life he suffers with a deceitful and depraved heart, so bad he cannot fully grasp it (Jer 17:9-10). The most intelligent of these asses taught worship of the sun, Pharaoh, totem poles, and bugs (Is 44:9-20; Rom 1:20-23). But today you can see new lows – they worship themselves and their own inabilities! They see all their colleagues dying, yet they continue to spout the same ignorant filth (Ps 49:10-13).

Even natural wisdom comes from the LORD. God gave Bezaleel great skill for making the intricate tabernacle (Ex 31:1-11). Where did agricultural wisdom come from, trial and error (Is 28:23-29)? No way! Inventors are not educated; they are created (Pr 8:12). Thomas Edison and others profited very little from school. God gave them their inventive genius. And God takes such men away from a nation when He chooses (Isaiah 3:1-5).

Spiritual wisdom is even more lopsided in its origin. Man by nature cannot and will not understand spiritual truth (Rom 3:11; 8:7-8; I Cor 2:14). God must powerfully recreate his soul by regeneration (I Cor 2:15; Eph 1:19; 2:1-2). And unless and until God does this, man is unable to understand anything of true or lasting value (John 3:3; 8:43,47).

What can you do to obtain wisdom? Humble yourself and confess your great ignorance and helplessness. To obtain wisdom from God, a man must become a fool (I Cor 3:18-20). You must humbly and meekly tremble before the most high God (Is 57:15; 66:2).

Then you must ask for it. The LORD gave Solomon great wisdom and largeness of heart, for his simple and noble request (I Kgs 3:5-15; 4:29-34). And He offers the same liberal terms to any who will ask (Jas 1:5). Instead of wishing you were Solomon, pray (Jas 4:2)!

Then you must read for it. The LORD has revealed His wisdom in the Bible. If a man will reject his own ideas and those of his ignorant race to trust the Holy Scriptures, he will gain in wisdom rapidly (Ps 119:98-100,130; Is 8:20; II Tim 3:16-17; II Pet 1:19).

Then you must listen for it. The LORD appoints, prepares, and sends ambassadors with His wisdom (Neh 8:8; Eccl 12:9-11; Jer 3:15; Mal 2:7; Acts 8:30-31; 26:16-18). But they will only benefit those who hear them receptively (Acts 17:11; I Thess 5:20-21).

Then you must read and consider Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. God gave two books in the Bible with more emphasis on practical wisdom than the other books. Those truly seeking wisdom will study these two books to acquire wisdom by God’s kind gift (Pr 1:1-7).

Reader, where have you been looking for wisdom? What have you been trusting for knowledge and understanding? Solomon wrote, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Pr 3:5-6). Confidence in your own opinions and thinking is folly.

Why go to a wild ass’s colt for wisdom? Go to Jesus Christ, for in Him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col 2:3). Humble yourself today and confess your great need to Him. Ask for wisdom; read for it; listen for it; and consider this proverb. He is the greatest Master of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in the universe, and He will grant you much of it by the power of the Holy Ghost for sincerely seeking it.