How to Receive Wisdom?
1. Be Humble and Teachable
- True wisdom begins with humility and a willingness to learn.
- Listen carefully to both believers and unbelievers, but do not receive counsel from the ungodly. Instead, discern truth and reject what contradicts God's Word.
- “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)
- “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15)
- “The wise will hear and increase in learning, and the person of understanding will acquire skill.” (Proverbs 1:5)
2. Receive Correction and Teaching from Believers
- Watch and listen carefully for things you do not know and things you need to know.
- Correction is not an attack but an opportunity to grow.
- “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1)
- “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.” (Proverbs 27:6)
- “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
3. Read and Apply Wisdom from Inspired and Godly Writings
- When reading books or writings by believers, whether inspired or not, that contain warnings or rebuke, do not become afraid or angry.
- Instead, let the words expose and remove the parts of yourself that are in error.
- See a future where those errors no longer exist in you.
- “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
- “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” (Ephesians 4:11-12)
4. Learn from the Sins and Errors of the Ungodly
- When you notice the sins and errors of the ungodly, do not take pleasure in judging them.
- Instead, examine yourself closely to see if those same sins or errors exist in you.
- Repent and turn away from them.
- “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” (Psalm 1:1)
- “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the LORD.” (Lamentations 3:40)
- “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12)
5. Pray and Ask God for Wisdom
- Wisdom is ultimately a gift from God, and He gives it generously to those who ask.
- “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5)
- “Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.” (Psalm 119:66)