“Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold…She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.” Proverbs 3:13-14, 17-18
Wisdom, that is biblical wisdom, is the navigational tool for the complex pathways of life. When you think about it, every area of life requires some wisdom to manage it well. All relationships benefit from wise observation. Each one has its unique dynamic and necessitates its own approach.
I’m not suggesting we should be a different person with each one, but there are nuances that impact perceptions on both sides. For me instance, we could have one person who enjoys a bit of sarcasm back-and-forth, that brings a humorous element to the relationship. It’s all in jest and laughter has made the heart light. However, another may have a very sensitive spirit and misunderstand it as offensive. Biblical wisdom would consider the other person more important than yourself. Therefore, be sensitive to “who“ they are and honor that. The relationships are different, but they each hold their own place.
The word of God is filled with wisdom regarding finances, work, health, family, etc. The point is to enjoy a better experience in this life. Often the wisdom is to have boundaries in these areas. Relationships that are unhealthy, need boundaries. Financial choices that bring on stressful burdens, need boundaries. Work habits, too little or too much, need boundaries. Lifestyle choices that impact our health, need boundaries. Family dynamics, at age anppropriate times, need boundaries.
In a perfect world, we would get it all right. But of course we know this is a far from perfect world. There will be snags along the path that will trip us up. We will fail more than we like. There will be pain – – ascent and descent – – the course can get rough.
But the creator of this world has written this book of wisdom to guide us along the way. He understands the complexities. He wants us, as best as is possible in an imperfect world, to enjoy his creation, in all of its aspects. He wants us to have some inner peace in the ups and the downs. We can trust his wisdom because he loves us. If we, in all our imperfections can give good gifts to those we love, how much more will our Creator, who has made us, give good gifts to us?
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.”
James 1:5-6
