Wisdom is being able to discern the outcome of a decision so that the right course of action is taken for the right reasons.

Wisdom begins as the acquiring of knowledge, but develops into character.

Jesus Christ said, "Wisdom is proved right by all of her children" (Luke 7:35, New International Version). The proof of wisdom is in the results produced by the decisions made.

Points to build on

We must remember that wisdom comes from God, and we must ask Him for it.

Proverbs 2:6-7: "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright."

We must search the Bible for knowledge and understanding. Wisdom must be sought after and learned.

Proverbs 2:1-5: "My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God."

We must seek wise counsel.

Proverbs 1:5: "A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel."

Proverbs 11:14: "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety."

Proverbs 12:15: "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise."

Proverbs 15:22: "Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established."

Once you make a decision, you must take action toward its completion. We must put forth the needed effort to make our decisions successful.

Proverbs 10:4-5: "He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame."

Proverbs 21:5: "The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty" (NIV).

Application

Most people make decisions based on emotional reactions or with a shortsighted view of consequences.

Wisdom leads to the development of a decision-making process that first seeks the teachings of the Creator of life, and then finds ways to apply those principles to the practical problems of everyday living.