Wisdom vs. Confusion

(Prov 17:24 CEV) Anyone with wisdom knows what makes good sense, but fools can never make up their minds.

This morning we continue our current series Here Solomon, the wisest man of his time, once again drives home the importance of receiving and applying God’s wisdom. There are many smart people in the world and while I don’t think Solomon was necessarily the smartest, the Bible tells us that he was the wisest.

At the end of the day, what good is knowledge if you don’t know how to apply it? The wisdom Solomon speaks of involved a keen sense of how to apply the knowledge that you have to every day situations. It is the application of that knowledge and the subsequent benefit that you gain from making wise decisions that makes wisdom valuable.

What good would wisdom be if it were only for superfluous dissertations? The person who is truly wise allows his wisdom to inform and shape his decisions. This person is decisive and directive. He knows where he is going and he makes the decisions that will lead him there. This person has learned from his past, he applies those lessons to his present, and he makes decisions that help shape his future.

Another translation of the first part of this verse reads: “The perceptive find wisdom in their own front yard.” A wise person is so accustomed to operating in wisdom that they find it everywhere. The wise are able to see things (to help inform their heir decisions) that the fool overlooks.

In the Old Testament kings visited priests and prophets in order to receive Godly counsel. They wanted spiritual insight so that they would have an advantage when doing business in the earth. The kings did the secular business; the prophets and priests did the spiritual. However, in the New Testament, God has made us both priests and kings (Rev 1:5,6).

The Father wants to give us His divine wisdom (spiritual) so that it can help us deal with every area and facet of our lives (secular). When God’s Word and wisdom is IN us, it not only helps us focus and aim for His ultimate destination for our lives, but it also helps us make every day decisions. When we walk in the wisdom of God we can be sharp, alert, aware, and decisive. We make good decisions and we reap the harvest of them. On the other hand, those without Godly wisdom are often dazed, confused, dumbfounded, and aimlessly wandering through life. As Solomon says: “Fools can never make up their minds.” Fools are excited about one thing today and something else tomorrow. Fools go down one path this week and another next week. They lack focus, aim, and direction, because they don’t understand their purpose. In chapter 29 Solomon said, “Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained” (v18).

People without divine vision, insight, wisdom, revelation, or purpose simply shoot at whatever target comes their way. But those who operate in the wisdom and purpose of God for their lives are people that are fixed and focused. They are not confused. They know where they are going and are therefore NOT easily taken off course.

So what does this mean to you? It means that the Father desires and expects you to walk in His wisdom. He does NOT want you to be dazed and confused. He does NOT want you to aimlessly wander through life. The Father expects you to develop in His Word and wisdom so much that you find it around every corner.

He wants you to be alert, decisive, fixed and focused daily. That is how you will shine as light in the midst of darkness and you will draw others to Him!

Father, I thank You for Your wisdom. You give me insight, wisdom, revelation, and understanding. I am able to apply the knowledge that I have attained over the years and my skillful application of knowledge sets me apart and gives me an advantage in the earth. You bless me to grow spiritually and to experience Godly success in the secular realm. As you use me for Your glory and as You give me uncommon favor with man, others quickly recognize Your hand upon my life and I am able to shine as light in the midst of darkness. I know where I am going and I confidently step out in that direction today – and every day! In Jesus’ name. Amen!