Proverbs 2:6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

We live in the Information Age, but information is not the same as wisdom. It is essentially the same as knowledge, but even there, there would seem to be distinctions. Today we have terabytes of information at our fingertips, but how much do we really know? The point of this verse is that God is the source of true knowledge, and He is the only source of genuine wisdom. It has been scientifically demonstrated that age does bring wisdom, in the sense that we gain broader and deeper experience on which to base our decisions, but the saying is still true, that there’s no fool like an old fool. Apart from the grace of God, we don’t even learn rightly from our experiences. Some of the biggest, or at least most visible, fools today are scientists who are trumpeting their denial of God, demonstrating by their vehemence that they don’t really disbelieve His existence, they are simply in rebellion against Him. The Bible points out in numerous places that the fear of God is the foundation of genuine wisdom, and this verse says that God gives that wisdom to us. James picked up on this in James 1:5. Lack of knowledge is remedied easily enough, but lack of wisdom to apply that knowledge is a major problem.

I am facing this issue in two very different areas, of very different ultimate importance. I have a computer problem that I only partially know how to fix, and I need to locate the software tools necessary for the job. It’s with my main work computer, and even with the right tools will require several hours, and I am dreading it. However, that problem, though urgent from several standpoints, is temporal, that is, it will make no eternal difference. The other issue is in pastoral ministry where, as a wounded human being, I have to deal with other wounded human beings. This one isn’t simply a matter of finding the right tools and applying them, and the consequences are potentially eternal. I need God’s wisdom! Particularly in the area of pastoral ministry, I have demonstrated time and time again that I don’t have the requisite wisdom on my own; I’ve got to receive it fresh from God. However, there are a number of applicable Biblical guidelines, and above all I do have God’s promise that His grace is all I need.

Father, thank You for reminding me yet again that IQ has nothing to do with true wisdom, and that I am totally dependent on You. Help me get quiet enough before You to hear and receive what You are telling me about every issue in my life. Right now the temporal and the eternal are fighting for my attention, and I’m having trouble focusing properly on either. Help me focus on You, knowing that You are far greater than any problem, submitting every issue to You for Your solution, so that Your purposes for each of these things will be fulfilled, for my blessing and the blessing of those around me, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!