WISDOM

 

The Art of Living Well

Pastoral Messages by Matriarch Elnette Edwards

My beloved family,

Wisdom is more valuable than gold, more precious than rubies, the Bible tells us. But what exactly is wisdom? It's not just knowledge or intelligence—you can be highly educated and still lack wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge rightly, to make sound decisions, to see beyond the surface, and to understand life from God's perspective.

I've met people with limited formal education who possessed profound wisdom, and I've met highly educated people who made foolish choices repeatedly. The difference wasn't information—it was insight. Wisdom sees connections that knowledge misses. Wisdom considers long-term consequences that intelligence overlooks. Wisdom asks not just "Can I?" but "Should I?"

The Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. This means wisdom starts with proper reverence for God—acknowledging that He knows better than we do, that His ways are higher than our ways, and that true understanding comes from aligning our thinking with His truth. Without this foundation, all our knowledge is just educated foolishness.

I learned a powerful lesson about wisdom early in ministry. I faced a decision that seemed straightforward—I had two options, both seemed viable, and I used logic to analyze them. But I felt uneasy in my spirit. I sought counsel from an older saint who asked me one question: "Which option brings you closer to God's heart?" That question changed everything. Wisdom isn't just about making smart choices—it's about making godly choices.

Wisdom also requires humility. Proverbs tells us that with humility comes wisdom. Proud people think they have all the answers and don't need counsel. Wise people recognize their limitations and seek guidance from others who've walked the path before them. I make it a practice to seek counsel from trusted advisors before major decisions, not because I can't think for myself, but because multiple perspectives help me see blind spots.

Time has also taught me that wisdom often means waiting. In our instant-gratification culture, we want answers immediately and results yesterday. But wisdom knows that some decisions shouldn't be rushed, that clarity comes with time, and that patience often prevents disaster. How many mistakes could be avoided if we simply waited, prayed, and sought God's timing instead of forcing our own?

Wisdom is also practical. It shows up in how we manage money, how we conduct relationships, how we steward our health, how we use our time. It's choosing the hard right over the easy wrong. It's thinking ahead instead of just living in the moment. It's building on solid foundations instead of shifting sand.

The beautiful thing about wisdom is that it's available to all who ask. James tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously without finding fault. God wants us to live wisely—He's not withholding wisdom from us. We simply need to humble ourselves, seek Him, and commit to following what He reveals.

Today, ask God for wisdom in the decisions you're facing. Listen for His voice. Seek godly counsel. Consider long-term consequences. Choose the path that honors Him, even if it's harder. Wisdom will never lead you astray.

Seeking His wisdom daily, 

Matriarch Elnette Edwards