WISDOM to UNDERSTAND

 

For those who want a relationship of love with God, it requires wisdom to understand what is required to follow His ways.  The Book of Proverbs, in its introduction tells us it is a book of an anthology of didactic poetry, and has as its primary purpose to teach wisdom.  The book covers a wide field of human and divine activity, ranging from matters purely secular to most lofty moral and religious truths beginning with “fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”                                                   Proverbs 1:7.

Saint Hilary, bishop, tells us from a treatise on the psalms that fear of God consists wholly in love, and perfect love of God brings our fear of Him to its perfection.  Our love for God is entrusted with its own responsibility: To observe His counsels; to obey His laws; and to trust His promises.

King Solomon, son of King David and a mere youth, asked God in a dream to give him wisdom above all other gifts God promised to give him.  He said:

“Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong.”                                                          1 Kings 3:9

  God’s response:

“Because you have asked for this…I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to, and after you there will come no one to equal you.”                                                                                    1 Kings 3:11-12

Saint Bernard, abbot, once said in a homily there are three ways for wisdom to be in us: If you confess your sins; if you give thanks and praise; and if your speech is edifying (building up of character).

Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church in its glossary tells us that Wisdom is a spiritual gift which enables one to know the purpose and plan of God.  In paragraph 1831 it lists Wisdom as the first of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, followed by understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.  In the Roman Rite of Confirmation, the bishop extends his hands over the whole group of the confirmands and invokes the outpouring of the Spirit in these words as it relates to Wisdom: Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding along with right judgment, courage, knowledge and reverence.

Based upon the above, true wisdom is a gift from God that we need.  We should use it for the glory of God and for the good of others.  Wisdom instructs our heart to use our insights for discernment, discretion and vision. 

If Wisdom is such a gift from God, why don’t we turn to it more often?  It seems we rely on our perspective to make decisions about what is best for us and others, often putting ourselves first in that equation.  Uncertainty often brings fear into getting things to work, but rather than ask for help, we often ignore alternatives, waste time and make things worse than better for all involved.

When faced with a dilemma, let us turn to God in prayer, asking for His guidance.  After all, He created Wisdom and gave it to us to use.  Wouldn’t it be wise to follow His counsel rather that ignore it and try an unknown?  There are numerous scriptural verses given to us by God to make good decisions.  I am sure at least one of them can offer a path of least resistance to bring one to a better conclusion.  Listed below are scriptures specifically about Wisdom in addition to the Book of Wisdom itself and how to use it.  Hopefully, we will pick at least one to help us follow God’s ways to love Him and all He has created.

 

Job 12:13 and 28:28

 

Psalm 104:24 and 111:10

 

Proverbs 1:7; 2:6; 3:13, 19; 4:5, 7; 8:11; 9:10; and 11:2

 

Ecclesiastes 2:13 and 7:19

 

Isaiah 11:12

 

Daniel 2:20 – 21

 

Matthew 13:54

 

Luke 1:40 and 21:15

 

Romans 11:33 and 16:27

 

1 Corinthians 1:24-25; 2:6 – 7; and 12:8

 

Colossians 2:3

 

James 1:15 and 3:17