Prudence

Do you have the prudence (wisdom) of God?

We’re wrapping up the devotional series of “ The 10 P’s in Trusting in God to Overcome Fear”. The series is so relevant to our lives today, that I thought to post each of the “Ps” on my website. I’ll probably do that sometime in December or Jnauary and will post a link in my newsletter when they are available.

Now onto the tenth and last “P”. It’s prudence which is also known as wisdom. When I think of wisdom, I can only think of God’s wisdom because in reality, only He has wisdom which He gives us through His word. He is the source and fountain of all wisdom. Scripture tells us quite clearly that wisdom comes from Him. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Bible shows us where wisdom comes from.

For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding; Proverbs 2:6

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

We find His wisdom in creation. Something I hadn’t thought of until I researched the topic (and more recently watched Pastor Billy Crone’s seven part series on Intelligent Design. A great series and very worthwhile to watch. My husband and I watched over a two week period. Each segment is about an hour long.)

In scripture, we see His wisdom in the natural world.

The Lord by wisdom founded the earth;
By understanding He established the heavens; Proverbs 3:19

O Lord, how manifold are Your works!
In wisdom You have made them all.
The earth is full of Your possessions— Psalm 104:24

And then there’s His wisdom in His plan and purposes. The plan of salvation was and still is an incredible gift to mankind. He didn’t just chuck it all and send man to his doom. No! God gave everyone mercy and a second chance and he planned it all with incredible wisdom. (Salvation was meant for the Jews, but in His divine wisdom He extended an olive branch to the Gentiles so that they too could be saved from their sin and everlasting hell.)

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, Ephesians 1:7-8

but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:24

He governs our world with wisdom. It may not seem like it, but man does have free will and sometimes (really, a LOT of times) we misappropriate that free will that leads us on a path of destruction. And it was all our choice.

Like any good parent, we give our children a loose leash… but when they mess up (as they invariably do) we rein them in, just as God reins us in when we are disobedient.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

Romans 11:33

Which leads me to man’s dependence on God’s wisdom. My husband and I pray daily for God’s wisdom in all areas of our lives… from relationships, to provision, to health matters. It’s important that we have His wisdom when making decisions, sometimes really big ones. I regret not having sought His wisdom years ago and in all areas. But it doesn’t matter because I seek His wisdom today. We cannot change what is past, but we can change today onward. I want to encourage you to seek His wisdom through His word and through prayer. It’s vital.

Wisdom is the principal thing;
Therefore get wisdom.
And in all your getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3:17

We oftentimes hear the phrase, the wisdom of Solomon. It’s interesting to me how Solomon asked for wisdom above all else. He didn’t ask for riches or glory. He wanted wisdom to lead God’s people. God gave him an abundance of wisdom to rule His people, but God was so pleased with Solomon’s request that he gave him riches and glory as well. There has never been another man like Solomon… ever!

Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

The speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing. Then God said to him: “Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart, so that there has not been anyone like you before you, nor shall any like you arise after you.

1 Kings 3:9-12

I especially like the story of Solomon’s wisdom as he adjudicated over the two harlots in 1 Kings 3:16-28. If you know the story, you know that he acted with great wisdom. And if you don’t… read it, you’ll see how incredibly wise he was.

In conclusion, pray for God’s wisdom in your life. In this day and age, we all need it more than ever.

First published in Seralynn Lewis’ Red Hearts Newsletter,Volume 24-22.