Job 28

“And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.’” Job 28:28 (NKJV)

I became a follower of Jesus when I was almost 21 years old. I was raised by parents who took me to church, but for some reason, religion didn’t seem to have worked on me. Some kids have drug problems. I was drug to church, and that was a problem for me!  When I reached 18, I left home and went to college on a track scholarship. For me, happiness was Fort Smith, Arkansas, in my rearview mirror.

When I got to college, I had three priorities: 1) Running track, 2) Looking for girls, and 3) Figuring out the meaning of life. Part of fulfilling  #3 was taking a World Religion course. At the time, I wasn’t real high on Jesus, so I was willing to swap religions if I found one that suited my needs better. Interestingly, a survey put out by UCLA a few years ago found that only 13% of college students search religion to find out what God requires of them. The vast majority only want to know what God can do for them as if He is some cosmic genie obligated to fulfill our wishes.

I will never forget my first day in World Religion class. The lady teaching the course stated that she was a devout Christian (an Episcopalian) but wasn’t convinced that Christianity was the only way to Heaven. Even as a non-believer, I thought that was an oxymoron: “Devout believer” who isn’t sold out! Nobody could question her knowledge of the Bible. She had memorized many long passages and knew certain nuts and bolts, but all her knowledge had not gained her wisdom. That is, she had not fully committed herself to the truth of God’s Word. She had read all about God but did not know Him personally. Because she did not know Him personally, she opened herself up to all sorts of non-Biblical ideas and life choices.

Biblical wisdom is a gift from God, and so is understanding. Wisdom & understanding must be spiritually enabled, so it is of utmost importance that people who seek God’s wisdom & understanding be filled with His Spirit. Now, the gift of the Holy Spirit is only available to those who believe in Jesus, yet it is immediately given to believers the moment we place our faith & trust in Him. Furthermore, wisdom & understanding are things the Bible recommends we seek & petition God for.

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.’ James 1:5-6 (HCSB)

Godly wisdom brings about understanding as to Who He is and how the World works in relation to Him. Understanding is applied wisdom. Understanding says, “Based on what I know about God, I am making these specific changes to my life.” In short: fearing the Lord and shunning evil.