Proverbs 1:2. To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,
We can say without hesitation that being wise is important to God. If we were to classify the Bible as a whole, we could say that it is one big book of ancient wisdom. King Solomon wrote and collected hundreds of proverbs so that we might be wise. The Psalms, Ecclesiastes, Job, and the Song of Songs each offer us a different perspective on wisdom that, when put together, gives us the fullest vision of wisdom known to man. That is until Jesus came of course.
But what does it mean to be wise? Solomon wants us to know wisdom, but what exactly is wisdom?
Simply put, wisdom is skill in living.
Wisdom isn’t only knowing the right thing to do (morality), but it is knowing how to do it, when to do it, and why to do it. It is quite possible for a person to be moral, but not wise. For example, you might try to help the poor, but do it in such a way that creates more long term problems. To be sure, wisdom is no less than understanding the law of God, but it is also much, much more.
Wisdom is also much more than intellectual understanding or knowledge. A person can also have great knowledge and still not be wise. For example, you might get an A+ in the class yet fail to appreciate or apply anything you learn in the class. You might know the scripture backwards and forwards without ever really applying the truths of scripture to your daily life. Worst of all, you might know about Christ without knowing Christ, having a relationship with him of trust and love.
Again, wisdom is skill in living. It is living the good life. The life that God wants for each and every one of his creatures, especially his image bearers.
Jesus Christ is the only person who ever lived completely in the wisdom of God. Not Solomon. Not David. Not Moses, or Esther, or Daniel. Only Jesus. Only Jesus lived the good life. Was he moral? Totally. Was he smart? Obviously. But far beyond these, he was wise. His wisdom took him all the way to the foolishness of the cross. Jesus knew what we must also learn, that the wisest way to live, the best way to live, is on the path of the crucified life. The life lived for others and for God, trusting him with all our hearts and leaning not on our own understanding.
At the end of the day our union with Christ is the only way to live this good life that pleases God. Our union with the cross of Christ answers all of our questions. All of our WHAT questions and all of our HOW and WHY questions. The life and love of Christ is the final answer to everything.
Do you want skill in living? Do you want to be wise? Then learn Christ. Learn to trust Christ. Then learn to trust like Christ.
You: Do you have knowledge about Christ only? Or do you know how Christ’s life in you answers the HOW and WHY questions of life?
You in Christ: How does our union with the cross of Christ make us wise?
Christ in you: Can you identify an area of your life where you need to trust like Christ?
Pray: Father, you want me to be moral and knowledgeable, but mostly you want me to be wise. Teach me Christ. Teach me his love and faith. Help me to trust him and trust like him. Amen.
To Live is Christ 