Wisdom and Discernment - The Source

When we see what wisdom truly is, we will be driven to look to Jesus, of whom it was said, “What’s this wisdom that has been given him?” (Mark 6:2). Timothy J. Keller

Knowledge and wisdom are not synonymous. We can have knowledge but not be wise. Only when knowledge is applied in a discerning and skillful way to a situation does wisdom come into play. 

I love the wisdom found in Aesop’s fables. The collection of about 600 fables is believed to have been written by the Greek storyteller, Aesop, between 620 and 564 BCE. His stories use interaction between animals to convey moral truths. These moral truths help us to use practical wisdom as we navigate through life. The most well-known fable, The Tortoise and the Hare, teaches that perseverance, persistence and determination win over complacency. Another fable, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, illustrates the importance of honesty, integrity and trust. And there are many other Aesop’s fables that convey some form of morality that can be put into practice in our daily lives. Aesop’s fictitious stories convey wisdom that leads to what can be called a universal morality. This universal morality is seen by those who do not believe in God as their standard and what makes them “good” people.

Our Moral Compass

While these moral values are good in and of themselves, there is, however, a lack of discernment regarding the source of this wisdom. As followers of Jesus Christ, our moral compass should be the Word of God. Aesop’s fables give us some wisdom concerning morality, but they cannot impact our lives as the Word does. The wise counsel found in the Word of God is meant to govern our lives and be transformative. It is intended to transform our hearts. It is intended to renew our minds so that we have the mind of Christ (Romans 12:2, 1 Corinthians 2:16). It is intended to change the attitude of our hearts( Ezekiel 36:26-27). Proverbs 3:13-18 (NLT) says,

“Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding.”

The wisdom of the Lord brings joy because we know that it brings life. The abundant life that He has for us so that we are not just “good people,” but people who fear Him, who worship Him, which Proverbs 9:10 says is the beginning of wisdom.

To the degree you are under Jesus’ lordship, you will grow in wisdom and see your life being healed. Timothy J. Keller

Reflection

Take time to think about who or what your source of wisdom is.

Prayer

Thank You, Lord, that You are the source of wisdom. Help me to grow in the wisdom found in Your Word so that my mind and my heart can be transformed. Change the attitude of my heart so that I will be receptive to Your wise counsel. Thank You, Lord, for the abundant and joyful life that You want to give me through Your divine wisdom and discernment. I pray for Your wisdom for each situation I face today. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.