How to be Wise

O. T. #1538  "How to be Wise"
Oct. 7, 2019
Ecclesiastes 8
Who is as the wise man? And who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? A man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. (verse 1)

LET IT GLOW

So I wonder what a wise person is like. What does it mean to be a wise person? Solomon mentions the words wise and wisdom some 51 times in this book. It sounds like he is trying to lead us down the path of true wisdom. This teacher of wisdom desires for us to avoid dead-end streets and walk the path that leads to true profit. How do we do that?

It is strange what I found these definitions to be: wise refers to become a Judean; live as the Jews; while wisdom means resembling a Judean: Jewish.

Now that is as clear as mud, until we consider,  Jews were the chosen people of God. They were to love and serve Him as their purpose in life. They had commandments to obey. I'm talking about the Old Testament Jews.

Since we are not a Jew, but a Christian, how can we be wise, acquire wisdom?

Life Application Study Bible gives the best answer I have found:

Wisdom is the ability to see life from God's perspective and then to know the best course of action to take. Proverbs 9:10 teaches that the fear of the Lord (respect and honor) is the beginning of wisdom. Wisdom comes from trusting and knowing God; it is not merely the way to find God. Knowing God will lead to understanding and then to share this knowledge with others.

Well then, we are wise when we see life from God's perspective and ask Him which is the best path for us to take. After all, God is all wise. Does that mean when we get in a situation we do not understand, we are to look for God's perspective on the situation?

What is He teaching us here and now? Why has He allowed this to happen? Where is He leading us?
Right now, my husband and I are in a time of rest, as God has revealed to us. September 29 was his last Sunday to serve as pastor. That has been our life for 39 years. It is an adjustment to be made, definitely a change for us. We are enjoying the step back from leadership, waiting on God to lead us down the next path. In the meantime, we healing from battle scars, growing in faith and love of Jesus.

How about you, dear friend? Are you seeking God's perspective on your situation? God has His reasons for things to happen. Are we sensitive to Him? He has the answers to our questions.


LET IT GROW

In verse 15, Solomon is recommending we embrace joy and contentment to lighten our journey through this life. Simply accepting each day with its daily measure of work, food, and pleasure. Are we enjoying what God has given to refresh and strengthen us? We should not spend our energy looking for more than He intends for us.

Are we living a faith-filled life? Life is a special gift from the Almighty.

No one can predict adversity or prosperity, but every person can receive each day's joys as God's gifts. (David Jeremiah)

God has concealed certain things from us; He knows life's secrets. He is infinite and we humans are finite. We owe Him our worship. (Philippians 2:5-11)

LET IT GO

You are the LORD my God.
Open my spiritual eyes to see Your perspective on my situation.
As I rest in Your love, prepare me for the next path ahead.
May I be thankful for all I have.