Do you consider yourself a person who has wisdom?
The dictionary defines the word wisdom thus: The ability to discern or judge what is true, right or lasting; insight.
Why, you ask? The Bible tells us to get wisdom. It is considered a principal thing, not knowledge, but wisdom. There is a difference. Knowledge is important, but it can also be something you have, but never use. For instance, you know how far it is to the bottom of the ocean. Unless you plan on going to the bottom of the ocean or use that statics in another fashion it is not practical knowledge. Wisdom is something you use in your daily life. The ability to discern or judge what is true, right or lasting.
How does one go about getting wisdom? Well Solomon asked God for it. He could have asked for anything, riches, kingdoms, worldly fame, but he chose wisdom so he could govern his people wisely and justly. One definition of wisdom, is the sum of learning through the ages. No wonder Solomon was considered the wisest man to ever live if God gave him the sum of all learning. Notice the definition was not the sum of knowledge, but of learning. There is a difference, although I may be splitting hairs here. Learning is something you can apply in a given situation, were some knowledge, though you know it, you may not know how to apply it.
As parents we need to teach our children to seek wisdom. To learn what is true and right. We had a board (paddle) of education in our home that we applied to the seat (child’s bottom) of knowledge. Though it was rarely used it took knowledge to the higher plane of learning or wisdom. Do I advocate beating children, of course not. But the Bible does tell us, He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. Proverbs 13:24. Our children need to be taught wisdom, the ability to discern what is true and right. The Bible is the best place for all of us to attain wisdom.
We as writers have our characters go to the school of hard knocks. It usually is what the secular world calls a ‘come to Jesus moment’, where they get a little taste of wisdom, because it is something they never learned in any other school.
Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.
Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth.
Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee.
Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
Proverbs 4:1-7