Wisdom

What is wisdom?

• Having knowledge and being able to use that knowledge properly
• How to act and what to say in any situation
• The ability to see life as God sees it

Sometimes the best way to define something is to look at a person who personifies that particular trait. For example, it is easier to watch a patriot and understand patriotism than it is to describe patriotism.

The Characteristics of a Wise Man:

1. He knows how to handle rebuke and reproof. He will love you for it. Reproof is to expose the wrong; "Hey, that is not right." Rebuke is to discourage someone from doing wrong; "Hey, don't do that." Prov. 9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Prov. 17:10 A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.
2. He knows how to "smooth things over." He does not over react to life. Prov. 16:14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it.
3. A wise man is not a weak man. He is strong and growing stronger. Prov. 24:5 A wise man is strong; yea, a man of knowledge increaseth strength.
4. A wise woman is a builder, not a destroyer. Prov. 14:1 Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.
5. A wise man's heart affects everything that he does. It is a part of his decision-making, treatment of people, etc. Eccl. 10:2 A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
6. A wise man is a gracious man. Eccl. 10:12 The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.
7. A wise man does something about what he hears. Matt. 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
8. A wise man knows how to approach people. Eccl. 8:1, 4-5 Who is as the wise man? and who knoweth the interpretation of a thing? a man's wisdom maketh his face to shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou? Whoso keepeth the commandment shall feel no evil thing: and a wise man's heart discerneth both time and judgment.