TEN SIGNS OF WISDOM

 

Wisdom is the right application of knowledge. Wisdom is the ability to know what to do and doing it at the appropriate time. Wisdom is insight used.

 

Wisdom is the show or manifestation of good sense, which is the knowledge and experience needed to make sensible decisions and judgments, or the good sense shown by the decisions and judgments made. 

 

Wisdom is the result of accumulated learning - accumulated knowledge of life or in a particular sphere of activity that has been gained through keen observation, education and experience 

 

Webster 1828 dictionary defined wisdom as:

“The right use or exercise of knowledge; the choice of laudable ends, and of the best means to accomplish them. This is wisdom in act, effect, or practice. If wisdom is to be considered as a faculty of the mind, it is the faculty of discerning or judging what is most just, proper and useful, and if it is to be considered as an acquirement, it is the knowledge and use of what is best, most just, most proper, most conducive to prosperity or happiness. Wisdom in the first sense, or practical wisdom, is nearly synonymous with discretion. It differs somewhat from prudence, in this respect; prudence is the exercise of sound judgment in avoiding evils; wisdom is the exercise of sound judgment either in avoiding evils or attempting good. Prudence then is a species, of which wisdom is the genus”.

 

A wise man is someone who has the true and proper knowledge, hence, having the power of discerning and judging correctly or of discriminating between what is true and what is false; between what is fit and proper, and what is improper; as a wise person.

 

To be wise is to be discrete and judicious in the use or applications of knowledge, choosing laudable ends, and the best means to accomplish them. This is to be practically wise.  To be wise is also to be skillful in handling matters and difficult situations. It is to be skillful in whatever one is doing. A wise person is a learned person who is well informed and knows how to handle and use the knowledge he has. A wise person is a godly and righteous person. You can’t be wise and not fear God and hate evil.

 

There is the wisdom that comes from this world and there is the wisdom that comes from God. The wisdom from God is the right wisdom and keeps a man humble, sane, pure, loving, peace-loving, considerate, submissive and pure in thoughts. The wisdom of the world puffs up and is self-centered and does not promote the fear of God.

 

James 3:13-18

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 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. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

NIV

 

The way a man lives his life prove wisdom or foolishness. The way a man approaches and handles situations and people reveal wisdom or foolishness. There is therefore the need to check your life to see if you are walking in wisdom or not. These are the signs or proof of wisdom in a man’s life:

 

1.                              The fear of the Lord

It is foolish not to believe in God or to believe in God and not to walk in the fear of the God. To fear God is to reverence and put Him first in all that you do seeking always to please and not offend Him. To please or fear Him is to hate evil and love righteousness, and to be careful how you walk to make sure your life conforms to His word and standard. It is a fear conjoined with love and hope, and is therefore not a slavish dread, but rather reverence from the heart of a child for the father.

 

Ps 111:10

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

NIV

 

Prov 1:7

7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

NIV

 

Prov 9:10

10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

NIV

 

Prov 8:13

3 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

NIV

 

Prov 3:5-8

5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.  7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.

8 This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

NIV

 

2.                             Knowledge

Prov 8:12

2 "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.

NIV

A wise man is knowledgeable in the ways of God, and he allows his knowledge of God to guide his life in all things. Knowledge without application is useless. Any knowledge that puts God down is not a right knowledge, for truth comes from God. Being the author and creator of heaven and earth, you can never know more about life more than Him. You can never understand human behaviour more than God. No one can know anything more than God. So we need to look to Him for knowledge and insight to be successful. A wise man is a person who possesses great knowledge and insight into the ways and laws of God and walks by them. He is careful to allow the knowledge he has to influence and direct his thoughts, words and actions in every area of live.

 

Prov 2:6

For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

NIV

 

Prov 2:10

10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

NIV

 

Prov 10:14

14 Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.

NIV

 

Prov 13:16

16 Every prudent man acts out of knowledge, but a fool exposes his folly.

NIV

 

Prov 15:2

2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.

NIV

 

A man of knowledge learns from his experiences in life and all that happens in other people’s lives. He loves instruction – he is teachable and always willing to learn and be taught. He learns not for knowledge sake, but to practice.

 

Prov 21:11

11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge.

NIV

 

3.                             Discretion

Discretion is the freedom or power to decide what should be done in a particular situation while showing good judgement. That is acting after careful thought based on the sound knowledge of God. To be discrete is to speak and act after a critical judgement of the situation to make sure that the words to be spoken or the action to be taken is the right and appropriate one.

 

Prov 8:12

2 "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.

NIV

 

Prov 1:1-4

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: 2 for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; 3 for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair; 4 for giving prudence to the simple,

knowledge and discretion to the young--

NIV

 

Prov 2:11-17

11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you. 12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, 13 who leave the straight paths to walk in dark ways, 14 who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, 15 whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways. 16 It will save you also from the adulteress, from the wayward wife with her seductive words, 17 who has left the partner of her youth and ignored the covenant she made before God. 

NIV

 

4.                             Prudence  - Exercise of sound judgement

Prudence is wisdom applied to practice. Prudence implies caution in deliberating and consulting on the most suitable means to accomplish valuable purposes, and the exercise of sagacity (reasonableness) in discerning and selecting them. Prudence differs from mere acting on knowledge in this, that prudence implies more caution and reserve, or is exercised more in foreseeing and avoiding evil, than in devising and executing that which is good. It is sometimes mere caution or circumspection.

 

Prudence is principally in reference to actions to be done, and due means, order, season and method of doing or not doing.

 

A prudent man is one who is able to draw from the past and the present and looks into the future to determine the best action to take, while avoiding evil or what will bring evil consequences. A prudent man is one who is able to make use of the knowledge he has effectively to the point were he is able to manage himself, his time, skill and resources to a successful and productive end while avoiding evil.

 

A prudent man is one who is able to combine effectively hindsight, insight and foresight to achieve great results without sinning against God.

 

Prov 8:12

2 "I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion.

NIV

 

Prov 8:14-16

14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine; I have understanding and power. 15 By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; 16 by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth.

NIV

 

5.                             Hatred of evil

Hatred for evil is a strong feeling of dislike for evil - what is not good and acceptable to God. You can’t have wisdom of God and not hate what God hates. Wisdom teams man up with God, and if you are on the same team with God, you cannot love what He hates and hate what He loves. Wisdom teaches us to run from evil and love righteousness which is God’s nature and character. If you have the wisdom of God, you will hate evil passion and love righteousness with passion also because wisdom teaches us to keep the commandments of God that it may go well with us.

 

Prov 8:13

3 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

NIV

 

6.                             Humility

Humility is the quality of not thinking that you are better than other people. In ethics, humility is the freedom from pride and arrogance; humbleness of mind; a modest estimate of one's own worth. In theology, humility consists in lowliness of mind; a deep sense of one's own unworthiness in the sight of God, self-abasement, penitence for sin, and submission to the divine will.

 

Humility is the act of submission to a higher authority – the respect of and submission to leadership.

 

Prov 8:13

3 To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.

NIV

 

Before honor is humility.

 

Prov 15:33

33 The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor .

NIV

 

Prov 18:12

12 Before his downfall a man's heart is proud,but humility comes before honor .

NIV

 

James 4:6

6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

 

"God opposes the proud

but gives grace to the humble."

NIV

 

1 Peter 5:5

5 Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

 

"God opposes the proud

but gives grace to the humble."

NIV

 

7.                             Generosity

Generosity is the quality of being generous. It is liberality in principle. Generosity is a disposition to give liberally or to bestow favors. It is a quality of the heart or mind opposed to meanness or stinginess.

 

A generous man is wise man for he understands that generosity causes increase, while stinginess attracts poverty. Wise men are givers, and givers never lack, for God causes them to have more and more.

 

Prov 11:24-28

24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. 26 People curse the man who hoards grain, but blessing crowns him who is willing to sell. 27 He who seeks good finds goodwill, but evil comes to him who searches for it. 28 Whoever trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.

NIV

 

Prov 3:9-10

9 Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; 10 then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.

NIV

 

8.                            Not a talkative

It is only people without sense that talk too much. They put their mouth into things they ought not to. When they start talking, they seem not to know when they should stop and keep quiet. They always want their voice to be heard. But, the wise speak only when it is necessary, and their words are weighty and valuable to the hearer because they are full of knowledge and carefully chosen.

 

The wise don’t spread rumours or carry tales about people. They don’t slander other people. They speak only what will edify the hearer and glorify God their maker and Saviour. Their words are seasoned with salt and full of grace. They speak only few words, for they are mindful that when words are too many, sin will be present.

 

Prov 10:19

19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

NIV

 

Col 4:6

6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

NIV

 

Eph 4:29

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

NIV

 

9.                             Walking in righteousness and justice

You can’t be a wise man and not walk in righteousness and be just in all your actions. If the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, it means that only wise men walk with God and live righteously. Wise men are not unjust but just, upright, trustworthy, and faithful.

 

Wisdom declares in Proverbs 8:20 that he walks in the way of righteousness. This means you can be walking in the wisdom of God and not walk in righteousness. To walk in righteousness and uphold justice is to walk in wisdom.

 

Prov 8:20

20 I walk in the way of righteousness, along the paths of justice,

NIV

 

James 3:13-18

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17 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. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

NIV

 

If you are walking in the wisdom from God, you will be:

• Peace-loving,

• Considerate – not self-centered,

• Submissive – not rebellious,

• Full of mercy and good fruit,

• Impartial – Just in all your ways,

• Sincere in all that you do.

 

Prov 3:1-4

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, 2 for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. 3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.

NIV

 

10.                        Overlooks offences and forgives as God forgives him in Christ

The wise man manages his thoughts and does not give in to anger and negative emotions that hinder forgiveness and love, this enables him to overlook offences and forgive as God in Christ Jesus has forgiven him.

 

The scripture teaches that only fools submit to negative thoughts and emotions that make them display anger and wrath. The wisdom that comes from God makes a man to be patient with his neighbour, bear with him, overlook offences against his person and forgive without keeping record of wrongs.

 

Prov 14:17

17 A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.

NIV

 

Prov 19:11

11 A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.

NIV

 

Prov 29:11

11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.

NIV

 

Eccl 7:9

9 Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.

NIV

 

Prov 20:3

3 It is to a man's honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.

NIV

 

Bitterness is a killer. Resentment kills a fool and not a wise man

 

Job 5:2

2 Resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.

NIV

 

Job 36:13

13 "The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when he fetters them, they do not cry for help.

NIV

 

Col 3:12-14

12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

NIV

 

 

 

 

 

  

1.           Those that have respect for God, gets God’s respect. When God respects you, all things work well for you.               Please God and he will please you.

2.           You are more than meets the eye. Who you are is who God says you are and what you are capable of                      achieving and becoming. Believe God and not what you see now, and very soon you will become what               God sees in you.

3.           Your mind is your secret weapon.

4.           Every product is a creation of thoughts.

5.           God is bigger than your thoughts. No matter the thoughts that come out of your mind, God is still bigger                 than it.

6.           Your greatness and success lies in the thoughts of your mind.

7.           The way you interpret what you see, hear feel affects your whole life.

8.           The way you see affects your future and all that you do and live for.

9.           Your heart is the center of your peace, and your peace is your strength. Guard your heart and let it not be               troubled.

10.         Your mind is the center of righteousness.

11.         Your thoughts determine your words, and your words create your experience.

12.         Obstacles are not an excuse for failure or to quit.

13.         Problems will never cancel the promises of God.

14.         Greatness is programmed and built into you. Do not look down on yourself. You cannot rise above your self-              image.

15.         If God appoints you for an assignment, you will be around long enough to finish it. No one can kill you               before your time. Don’t live your life in fear.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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1.         Treat people right, you may meet them somewhere where you will need them to give you a helping hand.

2.         A kind gesture can open a million dollar door for you

3.         Meeting people is exciting, maintaining a relationship is hard work and rewarding.

4.         Stop pre- judging people. Your first impression is always limited. Time will reveal the personality with whom you have been dealing with. Give every relationship time.

5.         The proof of true love is the investment of time.

6.         Nobody is ever as they first appear.

8.         Only fools make permanent decisions about a person without adequate knowledge which comes with an investment of time.

10.        There are two kinds of people: Dream killers and Dream fertilizers, positive and negative people, those who add and those who subtract from you, the right company is the people who will help you get to your dream.

11.        Your rewards in life are determined by the problems you solve for others.

12.        Whom and what you are willing to walk away from determines who and what God will bring to you.

13.        Those that cannot increase you will inevitably decrease you.

14.        Give another what he cannot find anywhere else and he will keep returning.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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