Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

BE WISE: AN IMPORTANT BIBLE “BE”

Far from being shortchanged, the topic of wisdom abounds in Holy Writ! Solomon had much to say about it in the books of his authorship: Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Other writers give it a lofty place as well, including the Apostle Paul as he writes the doctrinal books of the Bible to various churches founded in his ministry. Think with me about it!

There are three great mental attributes lauded in scriptures as most worthy goals of pursuit by the people of God. The qualification “people of God” is employed simply because, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Prov. 9:10. Here all three are mentioned as attributes that come from God as man qualifies to receive them through his reverence, study, and obedience to God and His Word.

It is said that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Thus, to prayerfully search out and receive the knowledge afforded in the Bible is primary. It is an awareness of that which should be known. However, knowledge must be understood in order to be useful. Accordingly, Solomon goes on to say, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” Prov. 4:7. Paul admonished the church at Ephesus, “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.” Eph. 5:17. Technically, wisdom then is the application of understood knowledge. One may not live long on the planet until it may be brutally underscored that understood knowledge may be applied in a very unwise manner; hence, the emphasis on wisdom as the attribute making knowledge and understanding practical and profitable.

Jesus told His disciples, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves:be therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matt. 10:6. How to acquire such a measure of wisdom to survive, and do well in that type of environment is the pleasure of James to reveal: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5. Just how great then is this attribute called wisdom? Hear Solomon again, “The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.” Prov. 3:19.

In the abundance of admonitions to acquire wisdom, the Bible studying Christian will inevitably conclude: Be Wise! It is an important Bible “Be.”

FOR THOUGHT: Are you impressed that the Bible emphasizes wisdom and understanding so much? How shall anyone go very far in life without these requisites? Knowledge is the platform, but wisdom and understanding are what make knowledge profitable.