Wisdom vs Foolishness

Wisdom is defined as: Knowledge, discernment, insight, and good judgement. Wisdom should be a conspicuous characteristic of every true Christian. The Bible specifically tells us how important it is to have wisdom over anything else. Wisdom is what will keep you from falling into the traps of the devil in this day and time.

Foolishness is defined as: destitute of wit or understanding, absurd, lacking in sense, judgement, or discretion. Sadly, there are Christians who fit into this category which is very embarrassing to the kingdom of God. Foolish people know how to say all the right things, but they fail to yeild any significant results. Today we are going to look at both wisdom and witlessness and decide which category we fit into.

**What the Bible says about wisdom and it's importance**

Proverbs 1:20-21 [NASB] Wisdom shouts in the street, She lifts her voice in the square; At the head of the noisy streets she cries out; At the entrance of the gates in the city she utters her sayings:

Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding.

Proverbs 4:5,7 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Proverbs 5:1 My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:

Proverbs 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

**What the Bible says about foolishness**

Proverbs 12:23 A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness.

Proverbs 14:24 The crown of the wise is their riches: but the foolishness of fools is folly.

Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness

Proverbs 15:14 The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.

Proverbs 19:3 [Amplified Bible] The foolishness of man subverts his way [ruins his affairs]; then his heart is resentful and frets against the Lord.

1 Corinthians 3:19 [Amplified Bible] For this world's wisdom is foolishness (absurdity and stupidity) with God, for it is written, He lays hold of the wise in their [own] craftiness;

As you can see there are very distinct differences between wisdom and foolishness. Wisdom is silent when everyone else is talking and boasting in themselves. Wisdom is conservative when everyone else is over spending. Wisdom takes pleasure in being hidden in words but conspicuous in action. When God reveals his wisdom to us, it is not to advance ourselves, but to advance his purposes.

Each of us have some insights, knowledge and wisdom, but the scope is usually fairly narrow and limited to our sphere of influence and knowledge. Our world. We are good at what we do and have gained wisdom and foresight regarding our special interests and experience. But if we were suddenly placed in a new, unfamiliar position or found ourselves in a foreign city unable to speak the language, we would become aware of our limitations. Our knowledge and experience would not help us. We would need someone to help us.

One of the scriptures above says, "Wisdom is the principal thing" which means it is very important. Many people wonder why God doesn't move immediately on our behalf in certain situations, but it's simply because he is trying to build wisdom and character in us. God doesn't want to promote someone who is foolish to oversee the things of His Kingdom. That is completely against the very principals that he has stated in his Word. So don't despise small beginnings or delayed blessings because God knows what he's doing. He knows that the longer we go through the wilderness, the more we will appreciate our new found blessings. If we allow it, experience can build wisdom.

How do we get more wisdom? One way is to read God’s Word and to learn from Him.

Psalms 119:96-100 "Nothing is perfect except your words. Oh, I how I think about them all day long. They make me wiser than my enemies, because they are my constant guide. They make me even wiser than the aged”

Fear God. Know God by reading His word and obey the insights and directions He gives you.

Next time you think you are wise in your eyes, remember, you may be knowledgeable and have some insights in your small world, but compared to total wisdom, you (and I) know little. And even if we added all of our combined wisdom, compared to God’s, it is nothing.

Remain blessed