Knowledge is its own temptation, so do not seek knowledge only to lift yourself up. Too much reasoning is a great hindrance to the nurturing of a spiritual life, for it always leads to pride in oneself. It is far better to feed spiritual hunger than intellectual curiosity. God tells us to be still and know that he is God. He teaches us that with much human wisdom comes much sorrow, and with more worldly knowledge, more grief. Christ tells us we are to receive the kingdom of God like a little child, with wide-eyed wonder, joy, and gratitude. This is true wisdom. It is wise to trust God and enjoy your life as he unfolds it for you than to pursue wisdom for selfish gain, especially if your hope is to add to your life anything other than more of God. It is better to reason less and be happy and do good while we are alive, for you cannot know the number of your days. You cannot add an hour to your life with human knowledge and wisdom.
Yet, righteous wisdom is a valuable trait that is highly prized in the Christian faith. It is the ability to understand and apply righteous knowledge in a way that benefits yourself and others. Righteous wisdom is more valuable than any material possession. It will guide you to make good decisions and live a fulfilling life. Righteous wisdom comes from God; through studying the Bible, seeking guidance in prayer, and seeking the advice of spiritually mature people, we gain righteous wisdom. Ask God for his wisdom in any situation, and he will provide it to you.
Take great care that your wisdom is not boastful. No matter your well-meaning, if your wisdom is laced with bragging, whether about your intellectual accomplishments in this world or your own superior morality, no one will happily listen. All ears become shut off to you because no one wants to be an audience to your uprightness and self-righteousness. You must always take a humble position in every situation and only share wisdom as a lowly one grateful to have learned a necessary lesson. Only then can you give credit to God for the heavenly knowledge and wisdom with which he has blessed you.
Always remember that the foolishness of God is wiser than your wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than your strength. If you rely on your own wisdom in all things, you fail to seek the will of God. If you seek the will of God, you will have divine wisdom in your thinking and peace in your heart. In all matters, ask Christ to go with you and bless you in what you are about to undertake.
I remind you that God says to be still. There is a reason for this instruction. Heavenly knowledge and wisdom are the products of insightful reflection. Pause, number your blessings, consider what the Lord has done for you in both a temporal and eternal perspective, and become wise in the ways he would have you live. Child of God, examine your thoughts, words, and deeds often, and take the necessary steps to align yourself in a proper relationship with Christ. Do not compare yourself to what others are able to articulate or do, but instead strive to please God alone in all that you do. This is the wisdom that matters.
Yes, my friend, humble and unassuming wisdom will allow you to make good decisions, live a fulfilling life, understand the world and people around you, and, more importantly, know the will of God for your life. It is something that, if nourished properly, is constantly developing, and it is a character trait that you should hope to acquire. It is indeed the highest wisdom to want and try to live according to the will of God. I pray for you that this is the wisdom you desire. May it be so!
