Godly wisdom means to see life from God’s perspective and to live accordingly.

The Bible urges us to seek wisdom above all things.

Proverbs 16:16 (NKJV) — says, “How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.”

Worldly Wisdom vs Godly Wisdom

 

Worldly wisdom:

  • Does not honour God but is focused on self-centredness.
  • We become educated, street-smart, and have “common sense”, enabling us to play the world’s game successfully.

Godly wisdom:

  • It is from God and honours God. 
  • It starts with the fear of God and results in a holy life. 
  • Prepares us for eternity. 
  • We trade earthly values for biblical values.

Godly wisdom requires us to do the exact opposite of our natural desires. Divine wisdom goes against contemporary understanding; it directs attention away from being self-focused and toward advancing the kingdom of God. 

 Jesus highlighted Godly wisdom in His sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5—7). He said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” – Matthew 5:43-45 (NKJV)

We can only live in godly wisdom when we are committed to crucifying our flesh and living in the Spirit. 

The book of Proverbs is known as the book of wisdom. Many proverbs contrast the wise with the foolish and caution against repeating foolish actions (e.g., Proverbs 3:35; 14:24; 15:7; 26:11). Everyone errs, but the wise learn from their mistakes and avoid repeating them. The foolish may consistently repeat the same mistake without ever gaining wisdom from it.

How Do I Get Wisdom?

  • The Word of God

We gain godly wisdom primarily by spending time in God’s Word (Psalm 119:169).  “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” — Psalm 119:130 (NKJV).  No one is born wise; we must acquire wisdom from God if we are to be truly wise: “You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts”  —Psalm 119:98–100 (NKJV)

  • People of Wisdom

We can also develop godly wisdom by carefully selecting who we surround ourselves with, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. ” —Proverbs 13:20 (NKJV).  Paul instructed the Corinthians to “imitate me as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1).  It is essential for us to be around people who exhibit wisdom in their lives.

  • Ask for Wisdom

Scripture tells us to ask for godly wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” —James 1:5 (NKJV). God desires us to have His wisdom, He eagerly gives it to those whose hearts are open to receive it. When we wholeheartedly trust and obey His Word, He generously imparts His wisdom to us. (Jeremiah 29:13). 

Solomon received godly wisdom when he asked the Lord for it (2 Chronicles 1:10–11).  He gained a reputation for his great wisdom.

  • God possesses boundless and infinite wisdom;
  • God’s wisdom is vastly superior to human wisdom;
  • God alone is wise;
  • It is God who is the source of wisdom;

8 Qualities Of Godly Wisdom 

 James 3 sets the standard with eight qualities of godly wisdom:

  1. Godly wisdom is pure. False wisdom is characterized by bitterness, enviousness and selfishness.
  2. Godly wisdom seeks peace, love and truth.  Where there is selfish ambition, we will find confusion and chaos.
  3. Godly wisdom shows consideration. When we have the opportunity to hurt somebody, we turn it around and show love and respect.
  4. Godly wisdom teaches us submission. When we submit, it shows we are teachable and humble, making us gentle and kind because the Holy Spirit guides us.
  5. Godly wisdom helps us to show mercy to those who have wronged us.
  6. Godly wisdom brings out good fruit from within us. 
  7. Godly wisdom is impartial. Those who live by God’s wisdom are consistent, single-minded, and authentic.
  8. Godly wisdom shows sincerity.  A sincere person is honest and straightforward, not pretending to be something they’re not.

Godly wisdom is the kind of wisdom that comes from the very heart of God. As we pray and spend time in the Word, we will find that our life will produce purity, peace, gentleness, willingness, mercy, good fruit, impartiality, and sincerity— and these are the indicators that the wisdom of God is firmly establishing itself in our hearts and minds.