One of the best things you can do for yourself …

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Take a minute to make a list. You can make it mentality, or use paper and pen, or type a list in your electronic device of your choosing.

Here we go:

Make a list of some of the things you think would be very good for you to have.

Take your time …

Think about it …

What do think are some of the things people put on their lists? Getting fit? More time with the spouse and kids? Developing certain skills?

The lists could be long and vary wildly according to those making them.

But there’s something the Bible tells us would be one of the best things we could do for ourselves.

Are you ready for it?

Get wisdom. And from that, develop good judgment. Proverbs 4:5 states, “Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them.” Proverbs 4:7 embellishes this exhortation this way:

“Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.” – Proverbs 4:7.

It doesn’t take a scholar to figure out why the Bible gives such a strong exhortation to gain wisdom. In the myriads of circumstances, trials, tests, troubles, tribulations, and plain ol’ opportunities we face on a daily basis, we will understand best and make the best decisions if we’re exercising wisdom.

Which we don’t do a lot of, do we?

Wisdom is something that must be sought, but isn’t so difficult to get. James writes, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind,” James 1:5-6.

Here’s what James says we should do with such wisdom:

“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom,” James 3:13.

And James adds a description of what wisdom acquired from God looks like:

“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere,” James 3:17.

And what’s the benefit of purposely seeking wisdom?

“How blessed is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding. For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold,” Proverbs 3:13-14.

Imagine applying wisdom to moments of tension between yourself and your spouse, or yourself and your children, or yourself and a boss or co-worker.

Imagine applying wisdom in moments when difficult choices must be made.

Imagine applying wisdom when having to decide how to use your limited resources, especially your time.

Imagine what growing in understanding, then applying wisdom could do for you in any number of situations and circumstances.

It’s no wonder the Bible tells us that gaining wisdom, and from that developing good judgment, is one of the best things we can do for ourselves.

There’s just one question left: Will you do it?

Scotty

P.S. For “Four Ways to Get Wisdom,” check out this article.