The Principal Thing

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.

—Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV)

 

Wisdom is more than having knowledge or understanding. Wisdom is the ability to prioritize and apply knowledge correctly. Knowledge collects facts and truth, and understanding organizes facts and truth. Wisdom correctly applies those facts and truths. When we understand what knowledge teaches, we organize it in ways we can access it. Wisdom applies our understanding of facts and truth to apply the correct principle of truth to people and situations. 

 

When you have God’s wisdom, you know what to do and what principle to apply in situations that produce good fruit and life. 

 

“If any of you lacks wisdom,” James wrote, “let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:5-8, NKJV).

 

God does not withhold His wisdom from you. When you ask in faith without doubting, you receive His wisdom. If you doubt God will give you insight, you will not receive it. You will not know what to do and what principle to apply when needed. Without God’s wisdom, you will lack the ability to offer guidance that leaves people better off.

 

Solomon realized the value of wisdom after becoming King of Israel. He asked God for it so that he could rule effectively. 

 

“Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of yours” (2 Chronicles 7:10, NKJV)?  

 

The principles of God’s truth are essential in our lives but are of little effect without His wisdom to apply them. When we seek God’s wisdom above what the world seeks, not only will we find it, but other things will also be added to our lives.

 

“Do not forsake her,” Solomon declared about wisdom, “and she will preserve you. Love her, and she will keep you. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her” (Proverbs 4:6-8, NKJV).

 

Love God’s wisdom. It will keep and protect you. It will give you understanding and honor you. Wisdom will hold you in the grace of God and fill you with the discernable presence of God.

 

“Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding;
for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold” (Proverbs 3:13-14).

 

Wisdom is the primary thing you need to experience a fulfilling life. Its profit in your life is finer than all the world’s wealth.

 

There are things from God that are yet to be revealed, ideas to be discovered, solutions to difficult problems just waiting to be found, and lives and relationships waiting to be restored. God yearns for His Word to be known, understanding to be found, and wisdom to be applied. 

 

Know the Word, and seek understanding of God’s truth. Ask for God’s wisdom to apply the correct principle of truth to the right situation at the right time.  

 

“The excellence of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it” Ecclesiastes 7:12).

 

With His wisdom, His knowledge and understanding come to life in you.

 

Pray “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power” (Ephesians 1:17-19, NKJV).

 

 

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