Instructions and boundaries are a genuine expression of love. It’s hard to except that at times, but they keep us as responsible adults and help our children navigate right from wrong. It makes us wise to the ways we handle the world we live in.
God’s instructions and boundaries are expressions of His love for us, and yet we somehow believe ourselves wiser in our own eyes. As we read and reflect on the guidance of the scripture we can discern between Godly wisdom and worldly wisdom. When God brought His people out of Egypt, He had many instructions for them and Moses reminded them saying, “Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people'" (Deuteronomy 4:5-6). If the Israelites could’ve just obeyed God— obedience was their teacher in wisdom. The essence of pride is when we believe to be more knowledgeable than God.
Eves’s folly began when she trusted in the wisdom of the serpent in Genesis 3:4-7: “Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.” And then her own judgement forsake the instructions of her Creator- and sin was born.
One of the ways having Godly wisdom begins is with faith. Faith- filled obedience trusts that the words coming from God are better than coming from ours, even when we don’t understand why at times. For example: God had some specific tasks prepared for Moses. He was commanded by God ( from a burning bush) to speak to Pharaoh, the King and lead them to the promise land. Moses was terrified of this endeavor because of his speech impediment and the lack of confidence in himself.
“Then Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” But he said, “O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send" (Exodus 4:10, 12-13).
Moses having faith in the words of God knew God was faithful and in control, and thus it established God’s purpose.
A wonderful woman example of Godly wisdom is Abigail. Abigail’s wisdom silenced her enemy and changed the retort of the outcome. David apologized and thanked her as she saved him from killing many innocent people. “Then David said to Abigail: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me! And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, because you have kept me this day from coming to bloodshed and from avenging myself with my own hand" (I Samuel 25:32-33).
Because of her humility and braveness, God showed himself strong on her behalf.
Often times we are faced with difficult trials, but seeking Godly wisdom enables us to endure and make choices that reflect our eternal purpose. “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Philippians 3:20). God is delighted to give us His wisdom when our hearts are ready to receive it. “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).
“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13).