I want to be wiser than my enemy.

I want to be wiser than my enemies, in particular my one biggest enemy, the enemy of my soul.  The older I become, the more aware I am of evil, evil activity and an enemy that is out to destroy people (1 Peter 5:8: “like a lion, looking for someone to devour.”).  I have also come to know that he is crafty and I am not necessarily able to recognise his tactics.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:12-13) 

I want to be able to stand my ground and for that I need wisdom.

Meditating on wisdom and reading Psalm 119, which extols the value of the Word of God, I love this statement in Psalm 119:98-100,

Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me.  I have more insight than my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.  I have more understanding than my elders, for I obey your precepts.


wisdom

God’s word makes us wise, it is the written source of wisdom God has given us. It will make you wiser than our enemies and wiser than the teachers of this world who have all their education behind them.  Even age does not compete with the wisdom that comes from the word.

Job had this to say about the word of God: “I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my daily bread.” (Job 23:12)

  1. He based his life on the word of God; it was his starting point
  2. He valued truth as the source of life-giving bread and the source of spiritual nourishment.

True wisdom goes beyond the pure accumulation of knowledge.

It seems that for both Job and Solomon, it is essential to GET wisdom. The wisdom we need cannot be acquired through science, philosophy, or the arts. True wisdom comes from God, by the process of revelation.

Knowledge has value, insight is good, but how to apply knowledge and insight to our lives in a life changing way: THAT is wisdom.  Have a look around you, intelligent and educated people are not necessarily wise, and one merely has to look at the outcome of their lives to realize that knowledge does not guarantee wise decisions for life.


Lord make me wise.

It is wisdom that “is supreme: therefore get wisdom.  Though it cost you all you have, get understanding.” (Prov4:7-9)

If you want wisdom you have to go after it. 

God gives some level of wisdom as a gift, but if you want more wisdom, you have to resolve to get it no matter what, or how difficult the path to wisdom becomes.  This is not a once off acquisition; it is a day- to-day process of seeking wisdom in the word of God.

Why is wisdom so valuable? This is because “she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.”  She offers long life in her right hand” and “her left hand has riches and honor.”  She guides on paths for life that are pleasant and peaceful.  She offers a good life to “those who embrace her” and blesses those who “lay hold of her.” (Prov 3:13-18)  In Psalm 119:101 the psalmist says that the Word has kept my feet from every evil path.”  Who would not want that for their lives?  Lord make me wise.

Wisdom is a life long pursuitThe word of God is the source of wisdom (1 Cor 2:13), seeking that wisdom as first priority for your life, it is the most important choice you can make.  We see the value of choosing wisdom in Solomon’s life and like Solomon we can simply ask for wisdom.   We do not have to wait for wisdom to come to us, we simply ask for it.  James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

If we ask for wisdom, there are absolutely no conditions to receiving it.  It is the simple process of reading the word and putting it into practice. (Matt 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”)

Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them.  Do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.  (Prov 4:5-6)

If it is this simple to be wise, why is there so little wisdom in the world around us?  Why is there a lack of wisdom in our own personal lives?

We have forsaken the Word of God as the source of all wisdom. 

Reflection Questions:

  • When last did you read the Word and apply it?  How often are you reading the Word?  Is the Word, your first source of wisdom?
  • Read 1 Cor 2:13, what makes the Word of God so special that it should be our first source of wisdom?
  • According to Hebrews  5:12 would you say you have made a point of mastering the elementary truths from scripture?
  • Make a bible study plan for yourself, one that plans out exactly what you will be studying from scripture in the next few days.

Lord, help me develop the regular discipline of spending time in your word, to match my regular discipline of brushing my teeth.  Make me wise Lord as I become familiar with your Word and apply the truths to my life.  As I consistently do that, I know that I will eventually know in my heart what principles to apply in my life, what values to embrace and so receive wisdom from You.  Thank you that You promised us, that if we ask for wisdom we will receive it and that You give it generously.  Help me Lord, to seek out scripture so that I can be wiser than my enemy, recognise his schemes and so be able to live victoriously in life as the winner and not the loser.

Lord make me wise.  If you were challenged by this post, continue with the series:

Next: The Source of Wisdom (next)

Previous: Why Get Wisdom ?(previous)

Other Blog Posts on this topic:

The IF and THEN for Life

A Vital Personal Discipline