Life is as much about making the right choices as it is about not making the wrong choices. How many times have we said to ourselves, “that was a bad choice that I made” or “I am so glad that I made that good decision”. Hindsight always seems so much clearer than foresight and yet if we could see into the future the consequences of our decisions then how much sweeter life would be. Fewer regrets and much greater happiness would we have in our life. Not only in our own life but the lives of those who are affected by our decisions. The ripple effect of our lives is great as we have all experienced the ripple effect of the lives of others. Sometimes it is a good effect and sometimes the actions of others brings us much pain and grief.
For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality. Colossians 3:25
Wisdom is knowing the right decision to make that will bring great happiness.
How blessed is the man who finds wisdom
And the man who gains understanding.
For her profit is better than the profit of silver
And her gain better than fine gold.
She is more precious than jewels;
And nothing you desire compares with her.
Long life is in her right hand;
In her left hand are riches and honor.
Her ways are pleasant ways
And all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who hold her fast. Proverbs 3:13-18
We all want to know happiness and yet it eludes most people. We all want a long life that is pleasant and filled with peace and yet many never have hardly a day of peace. However, wisdom is more precious than jewels and nothing we desire compares with her. Many have money but no peace or happiness. Some have little money and yet their lives are filled with great joy. We all know that money will never buy happiness or peace.
My son, let them not vanish from your sight;
Keep sound wisdom and discretion,
So they will be life to your soul
And adornment to your neck.
Then you will walk in your way securely
And your foot will not stumble.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid;
When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:21-24
Wisdom allows you to live in security and makes our sleep sweet. When we have wisdom then we are not afraid and we do not stumble through life. How true it is that nothing compares with wisdom. There is no substitute for wisdom. Prudence is the other side of the coin to wisdom. Wisdom is knowing the right decision to make and prudence is knowing how to avoid the wrong decision.
“I, wisdom, dwell with prudence,
And I find knowledge and discretion. Proverbs 8:12
Both wisdom and prudence give insight into the consequences of decisions. Both are foresight and give much happiness and teaches us to avoid much heartache so that we don’t have to “guess” at the right decision or hope that the “benefits outweigh the costs”. The Lord gives wisdom and prudence.
For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
Guarding the paths of justice,
And He preserves the way of His godly ones.
Then you will discern righteousness and justice
And equity and every good course.
For wisdom will enter your heart
And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
Discretion will guard you,
Understanding will watch over you, Proverbs 2:6-11
What is so amazing about the Lord is that He promises to give wisdom to any and all who ask. He also gives it generously and without reproach, which means that He does not correct us for not acting wisely in the first place. Rather, He has been waiting to help us and wanting us to ask Him.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
Are you struggling in any area of your life? Do you have regrets? Do you need to make a decision and don’t know what to do? Ask the Lord. He will help. He will give you wisdom. Open a Bible and read what the Lord says about any topic or go to a Bible app or website and do a search on the word that describes your struggle. God’s Word is His source of wisdom. Ask Him to guide you in His Word. Every time that you need to make a decision, first ask the Lord. Each decision you make is another action that is building your life. Build it right and it will stand and bring you much security, peace and happiness.
By wisdom a house is built,
And by understanding it is established;
And by knowledge the rooms are filled
With all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3,4
Instructions To A Young Life 