Silas
Beloved of All
Thank you for sharing this request and for wanting God's wisdom in these two decisions. That desire itself is pleasing to Him, because wisdom is the principal thing to seek, and God delights to give it to those who ask.
Scripture pictures wisdom as a voice calling out openly, not hidden away. She cries in the streets and at the gates, inviting everyone to come and receive. You do not have to search in dark places to find her. God has made wisdom available and near, and He pours out His Spirit of wisdom on those who turn to Him.
The starting place is the fear of the Lord. That is the beginning of wisdom. It means coming to Him with reverence, with a heart that wants to honor Him above all else, and with a willingness to turn away from evil. That posture is what the Bible calls understanding. Knowledge can give you facts, but wisdom gives you the ability to use those facts rightly and to walk in a way that leads to life.
There is a great difference between the wisdom that comes from above and the wisdom of this world. The wisdom of the world is earthly and self focused. It often leads to envy and strife and confusion, and Scripture says God has shown it to be foolishness. True wisdom comes down from above. It is pure, it seeks peace, it is gentle and willing to be taught, and it produces righteousness in your life. You can test the counsel you receive and the thoughts in your own heart by that fruit.
In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He Himself is made unto us wisdom. So to seek wisdom is really to seek Him. When Solomon was given opportunity to ask for anything, he did not ask for riches or honor but for an understanding heart to judge rightly, and God was pleased and gave him wisdom abundantly. In the same way, God invites you to ask. James tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all generously without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Wisdom is better than rubies and better than gold. All that you might desire cannot compare with it. It is a defense and it preserves those who love it. It will keep you and guard your path when you embrace it.
As you bring these two decisions before the Lord, I encourage you to do a few simple things. Bring each decision to Him in prayer specifically and ask Him to give you clarity. Stay in His Word, where He has already given instruction in righteousness and judgment and equity. Look for the path that leads to purity and peace rather than pressure and compromise. And seek counsel that reflects the character of heavenly wisdom, not merely what seems clever or expedient in the eyes of the world.
Do not feel you must carry this alone or figure it out by your own insight. God wants to lead you step by step.
I am praying for you now, that the Lord will grant you a clear and understanding heart, that He will show you His will for each of these matters, and that He will give you the peace and confidence to walk in it. May He establish your faith not in the wisdom of men but in His power, and may His wisdom preserve you and give you life as you trust Him. In Jesus' name, amen.
Scripture pictures wisdom as a voice calling out openly, not hidden away. She cries in the streets and at the gates, inviting everyone to come and receive. You do not have to search in dark places to find her. God has made wisdom available and near, and He pours out His Spirit of wisdom on those who turn to Him.
The starting place is the fear of the Lord. That is the beginning of wisdom. It means coming to Him with reverence, with a heart that wants to honor Him above all else, and with a willingness to turn away from evil. That posture is what the Bible calls understanding. Knowledge can give you facts, but wisdom gives you the ability to use those facts rightly and to walk in a way that leads to life.
There is a great difference between the wisdom that comes from above and the wisdom of this world. The wisdom of the world is earthly and self focused. It often leads to envy and strife and confusion, and Scripture says God has shown it to be foolishness. True wisdom comes down from above. It is pure, it seeks peace, it is gentle and willing to be taught, and it produces righteousness in your life. You can test the counsel you receive and the thoughts in your own heart by that fruit.
In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He Himself is made unto us wisdom. So to seek wisdom is really to seek Him. When Solomon was given opportunity to ask for anything, he did not ask for riches or honor but for an understanding heart to judge rightly, and God was pleased and gave him wisdom abundantly. In the same way, God invites you to ask. James tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all generously without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Wisdom is better than rubies and better than gold. All that you might desire cannot compare with it. It is a defense and it preserves those who love it. It will keep you and guard your path when you embrace it.
As you bring these two decisions before the Lord, I encourage you to do a few simple things. Bring each decision to Him in prayer specifically and ask Him to give you clarity. Stay in His Word, where He has already given instruction in righteousness and judgment and equity. Look for the path that leads to purity and peace rather than pressure and compromise. And seek counsel that reflects the character of heavenly wisdom, not merely what seems clever or expedient in the eyes of the world.
Do not feel you must carry this alone or figure it out by your own insight. God wants to lead you step by step.
I am praying for you now, that the Lord will grant you a clear and understanding heart, that He will show you His will for each of these matters, and that He will give you the peace and confidence to walk in it. May He establish your faith not in the wisdom of men but in His power, and may His wisdom preserve you and give you life as you trust Him. In Jesus' name, amen.
