What is Wisdom, and Where Do I Find It?

A few years ago, if I remember correctly, a pastor I was working with told me of a quote from Bill Hybels.  In this statement, Hybels essentially said young people could not be good leaders because they lacked several things like experience, education, and wisdom.

And I was immediately angry.

Yes, young leaders can lack experience, that is a given.  But I don't think education (at least not the education he is most likely referring to, probably seminary) is necessary for a good leader.  And I totally agree that wisdom is needed, but whole-heartedly disagree that wisdom is out of the reach of the young- or anyone for that matter.

That quote, and hundreds like it from established leadership all over the country, is a symptom of a sickness with our understanding of wisdom in today's world.  The truth is, most people talk about wisdom like it is something earned, some achieved.

They mistake it for education.

I spent time in seminary.  I sat under numerous men and women who had studied their field for decades.  They no doubt knew their stuff, and knew more facts and doctrine than I ever will.  But only some of them were wise, others foolish.  The distinction there was pretty clear, the wise ones sincerely acknowledged their short-comings, that they didn't know it all.  The "wise" ones made it all about themselves, about what they knew, about what they'd done.

The Biblical back-up for this is in James 3:13-16:

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.  But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.  Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.  For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
 
I had one professor actually claim he was a better speaker than Billy Graham!  The issue was not his actual speaking skills, but the fact that he was boasting of himself.  Wisdom doesn't do that.

I'm not just bashing seminary professors here, I've seen it all over the place.  Churches have mistaken age and education for wisdom.  Often, they look to the guy who has been there the longest, or who seems the smartest to make the deciding stance.  Sometimes they get lucky, and that decision is a wise one.  But wouldn't it be better if we really knew what wisdom was?

According to James, the first evidence of wisdom is a good life, lived in humility brought on by wisdom.  A person of wisdom is not going to be the guy or girl loudly proclaiming their rightness.  They are just living it out, and offering help when it is solicited or desperately needed.  Later on in James 3, he adds in verse 17 that:

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

If you sum all of that up, wisdom doesn't seek to anger or divide, but rather to bring people together.  Wisdom is not harsh or condemning, it does not demand itself be followed.  Wisdom lets people choose it, it does not mock those who fail to heed it.  It shows mercy.  Wisdom rejoices when a mocker accepts its words.

Wisdom sounds a lot like love.

Which brings me to where we find wisdom.  It is a lot like love, not just in its character, but in how we receive it.  Neither are earned, or achieved, or learned.  They are given.

Wisdom is a gift.

We need not look any further than James 1:5 for this proof:

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.


I do not claim to be a wise man.  I may have moments of wisdom, but only when I ask God for them.  I know  some pretty good facts, and think of myself as somewhat intelligent.  But these do not make me wise, nor will they ever, even when added to my experience and any education I receive.  Wisdom comes to me like it came to Solomon- when I ask God.  Just like it can come to you if you ask Him.

But know this- if you are seeking wisdom for your own personal gain, you'll be left empty-handed.  Wisdom is given not so we can build up ourselves, but so that we can serve and help others.  Wisdom is given to raise a family, lead a church, make good decisions, follow God- and a thousand other things.  Each of them is about helping others.  If we were to be wise, yet only for our own benefit, then we are not wise.  If we have 'wisdom', yet only use it to make others feel bad or dumb, that is not wisdom- it is folly.

Wisdom, like love, is a gift we receive that is meant to passed on, sincerely and for the betterment of others.