Getting Wisdom

Solomon was considered to be the wisest person in the world.  He was the son of King David who began his ministry as a little shepherd boy out in the fields before being promoted by Almighty and All-powerful God (See 1 Samuel 16 and 17).

David's son, Solomon, later became King of Israel.  Solomon also wrote books in the Bible including the book of Proverbs.  He wrote much about getting wisdom, knowledge, and understanding throughout this particular book in the Bible.  He actually began this specific book by introducing himself.  Then, he goes into a breakdown of the beginning of knowledge.  

Solomon encourages people to know wisdom and instruction as well as perceiving words of understanding.  He says, "A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel...(Proverbs 1:5, NKJV)."  This specific wise man later tells us that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7, NKJV)."

There are some people within the body of Jesus Christ nowadays that do not know and understand the biblical principle of getting knowledge.  Every person must first get knowledge before they get understanding and wisdom.  However, it is not necessarily just any kind of knowledge.  We all must obtain the right kind of knowledge.  More specifically, we all need biblical knowledge.

When we all first get biblical knowledge, then we will all have much more understanding and wisdom in life.  The only kind of true understanding and wisdom that we need is the kind which comes from our heavenly Father.

"For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
He guards the paths of justice, And preserves the way of His saints (Proverbs 2:6-8, NKJV)."

How do we all go about obtaining wisdom?  What's the best way to get all of that kind of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding?

In the book of James, the writer who is the half brother of Jesus Himself shares his thoughts on getting wisdom.  "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5, NKJV)."

James later continues, " But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.  For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways (James 1:6-8, NKJV)."

Therefore, we all need to ask in faith for wisdom from God.  We also cannot doubt that He has heard and answered our request.  Otherwise, we will not receive what we have asked for from Him.

Solomon speaks about the beginning of wisdom.  He says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you (Proverbs 9:10-11, NKJV)."

Unfortunately, there is not much reverential fear of the Lord God these days in this world.  Part of that lack of fear is rooted in the lack of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding though.  When a person does not really know someone, they cannot truly revere that particular person.

As King Solomon states, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom...(Proverbs 9:10, NKJV)."  However, before people actually revere Almighty God, they must first seek Him.  How do people seek Him?  For one, they seek Him by spending time with Him.  One way to do that is by reading and studying His word---namely the Bible.  Only then will people obtain that specific wisdom which comes from Him.  Then, they will develop the reverential fear of the Lord.


Copyright 2016 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.

Head vs. Heart

There are many people in the world who have head knowledge.  They know a lot.  Some people call them 'know-it-alls'.  They may also be known as 'book smart'.  They are life-long students---sometimes going for one degree after another.  [It's normally the way of the intellectual world.]

However, there will be no actual transformation in them or their lives.  They will keep obtaining head knowledge which is knowledge people know intellectually---in the mind.

There comes a point in time when people have so much head knowledge that it is either overwhelming or useless though. 

God tells us in His word..."Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..."  (Romans 12:2a, NIV) 

He does want us to get knowledge in our minds, but it's the kind of knowledge which is different from the rest of the world.  He used people in His word to communicate it to us. 

For one, the Psalmist spoke some about biblical knowledge.  "Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I trust your commands."  (Psalm 119:66, NIV)

King Solomon who was considered the wisest man speaks much about getting and having knowledge in the book of Proverbs.  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction."  (Proverbs 1:7, NIV)

Notice he said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.  When we revere and honor the Lord, it starts the real process of obtaining good knowledge.

We must first obtain what some people call 'head knowledge'.  If the knowledge continues to stay just in our minds though, it doesn't do us or anyone else any good. 

Alternatively, there is heart knowledge---known as revelation.  The head knowledge must eventually become heart knowledge.

"...Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will."  (Romans 12:2b, NIV)  We won't be able to truly know and understand God's will for us until the head knowledge becomes heart knowledge or revelation. 

So, there is a difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge.  Additionally, we definitely must have head knowledge before it can even become heart knowledge. 

How do we get knowledge to move from the head to the heart? 

....By meditating on God's word.  "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."  (Joshua 1:8, NIV)

God will help make us successful and prosperous in doing His perfect will when we meditate [think, ponder, consider] His word.  There will not be any real or lasting change in a person, his situation, or his life until he truly receives heart knowledge---revelation---and then walks it out in this world.


Copyright 2014 by Dawn Freeman. All rights reserved.