Characteristics Of Godly Wisdom And Some Examples That Display Them

By Carol Evans


The world today seems to be changing in ways that are not always positive. Civility seems to be at an all time low. Technology, as wonderful as it is, brings out the worst in a large segment of the population. Taking a moment to stop and think about what characterizes Godly wisdom, and how well we exhibit those characteristics, can change the way we see the world and ourselves.

Wisdom is a term that encompasses many elements. Theologians say we know God is wise because of the goals He establishes and the means He creates to achieve them. Men are wise when they follow God's commands. According to the Book of Proverbs becoming wise starts by fearing the Lord. The Book of James lists a series of traits that demonstrate Godlike judgment.

Humility is a virtue no one has exemplified better than Christ. He was willing to die for the sake of others. On the way to Golgotha Christ was shamed, scorned, humiliated, and ridiculed. He bore all that with grace. Being humble doesn't prevent anyone from questioning God. Jesus did that on the cross. Humility is accepting the answers you get. This Jesus did without anger or bitterness. He chose to become a servant of the Lord.

Considerate people are those who put the needs of others before their own. They have empathy. Considerate people smile a lot. Not only does the act of presenting a pleasant demeanor improve their day, it affects all the people they come in contact with throughout the day. Consideration for others includes having good manners. This goes deeper than just being polite. It means treating others the way you want to be treated.

Wise people love peace. These are folks who solve problems and create unity instead of division. After Christ, many consider Mohandas Gandhi to have been the most peace loving man who ever lived. He lived out his commitment to nonviolence both publicly and privately.

Wise people are merciful. They are quick to forgive, compassionate, and kind to their fellow men. Patrick Ferguson, a Redcoat in the Revolutionary War, is a famous example of merciful behavior that may have changed the course of history. He led an ambush against General Washington and his men, but could not in good conscious fire on the general without showing himself. He stood instead of ambushing his enemy. If Ferguson had been less merciful, America's first president might not have been Washington.

Wise people are sincere. They aren't false or dishonest. These are individuals you can count on to tell you what they think, in a respectful way, resist gossiping, and not judging. Everyone knows people who say one thing when you are in the room and something else after you have left.

The path to wisdom can be bumpy. Most fail repeatedly to live up to the examples wise women and men set. That's not an excuse to stop trying. Every day is a new beginning with a new chance to get it right.




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