Common Sense And A Friend Called Wisdom

Common sense.  Good sense.  Sound judgment.  Practical understanding.  Correct perspective.  Sensible observation.  Wise insight.

When I was in second grade my teacher tweaked my cheek and declared to me, “You have common sense!”

I wasn’t sure exactly what common sense was when I was in second grade, although I knew it must be a good thing to have!  But I know of something that is even more important and valuable than everyday common sense.

Wisdom. 

Spiritual understanding.  Knowledge of truth.  Godly perspective.   

Wisdom goes beyond ordinary common sense.  Wisdom opens our minds to God’s perspective.  It teaches us to deal with life and events the way God would have us handle them.  Wisdom adds righteousness to common sense.  It adds God’s point of view to our limited human insight.  It provides the knowledge we need in order to be obedient to God.

The Beginning of Wisdom

The Bible tells us in Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

The fear of the Lord can be described as a deep reverence and respect for God and His Word. 

This is the beginning of wisdom.  This is the point where we understand who God really is and we humble ourselves before Him.  We come into a right relationship with Him.  We no longer rely on our own understanding but seek God’s mind and His will.    

The Source of Wisdom

There is only one source of true wisdom: God.  Life experiences may give us common sense, but the Lord gives wisdom.

Proverbs 2:6, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Wisdom is found in the Word of God.  The more we learn and follow God’s ways, the more our minds are transformed, as Paul explains in Romans 12:2.

Everyone can gain wisdom

We all have the opportunity to become wise and continue to grow in the way of wisdom.  God is pleased to share His wisdom with us!  That’s why we have an entire book of wisdom in the Bible: the book of Proverbs.  Every person who “fears the Lord” and becomes a Believer, is able to gain Godly wisdom.  And where we feel lacking, we may ask God for more wisdom. 

Long ago a friend of mine said she always prayed about difficult situations by saying, “Please give me wisdom Lord.  Help me to see this situation as you see it and have the understanding that you want me to have.”

We need to pray for wisdom and God will graciously give us more.  James 1:5 tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Wisdom is our friend!

Common sense is helpful in life.  But oh, if only we could really understand the value of wisdom! Solomon describes wisdom as our friend, someone we need to pursue at all cost.

Proverbs 4: 6-7, “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.  The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

I’m grateful that I have common sense, but I want more wisdom.  I’m seeking this precious treasure in the Word of God!