I escorted Sophie into the medical building, meeting the nurse at the door. Clad in a mask, accompanied with post operation instructions, I returned to the car anticipating a phone call indicating the time to pick her up after her oral surgery.
A little over an hour later, Sophie leaned upon me as I helped her stumble into her apartment and settle upon the couch. Dazed from the anesthesia, she stared off into space as I gathered her medication and a cup of water. It took a while but eventually she swallowed the necessary prescriptions to aid her recovery.
At 23 years old, Sophie’s four wisdom teeth were extracted. These third molars set back in the mouth became troublesome for her, so their removal offered the best solution. Sophie has been described as an old soul often living out the meaning of her name, wisdom. Insight and understanding flow from this beautiful, godly woman not because of these four molars, but because of her intense connection to and dependence upon God.
Wisdom
I wondered about the nature of the name for these unnecessary mouth molars. Apparently, they gained the name “wisdom teeth” or in Spanish “teeth of judgment” because they appear so late in life, at an age when people are presumably more wise than as a child. Whether one obtains wisdom or judgment, these teeth neither add any value to the mouth nor to any actual acquisition of wisdom.
Wisdom – the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
While knowledge offers facts and the condition of being aware of something, wisdom presents the ability to discern deep inner qualities and movements in relationships. Godly wisdom allows mankind to understand life from God’s perspective.
Mankind gains knowledge through study and intentional investigation. Wisdom, on the other hand, develops as an intangible quality offered by God through experience and life often influenced by knowledge. Knowing when and how to share knowledge coupled with perspective and sound judgment reveals wisdom from God.
When we desire to grow in wisdom, we must turn to God. The wisdom of this world doesn’t even compare compare with the wisdom of God. Proverbs 2:6 states that the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. God alone takes the knowledge and experiences of life melding them into thoughtful, insightful expressions of His heart and ways.
Need wisdom?
The times in which we live demand wise living. Confusion regarding work, family relationships, governmental authorities, ministry opportunities, community connections, economic consumption, steward living, worldwide issues, and the path for following Jesus each require wisdom from God.
James, Jesus’ disciple, writes to the scattered church that if anyone lacks wisdom, to ask God, who gives generously to all (see James 1:5). So, while we may have knowledge about certain issues or concerns, only God supplies the wisdom, deep things from Himself, to make decisions and live in ways that honor and glorify our Sovereign Lord.
While Eve took the fruit in the garden to gain wisdom for herself, Solomon asked God for wisdom to serve others. Why do you ask for wisdom? To look good, smart, and powerful? Or to love, serve, and care for others?
Solomon asked God for wisdom in 2 Chronicles 1:10 and Scripture authenticates that judgment and discernment along with knowledge guided his many decisions and actions on behalf of others. Solomon wrote much of the Book of Proverbs which is filled with wise sayings. Additionally, he wrote the book of Ecclesiastes addressing the purpose and meaning of life for all humankind.
Wisdom – the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the soundness of an action or decision with regard to the application of experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
Seeking the wisdom of God begins with communion with God. Proverbs 1:7 declares that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” To fear God means to recognize God as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. We must look to God’s character and desire only to live in obedience to Him. Fearing God requires knowledge built upon the greatness of God himself. Living continually aware of the presence and power of God leads to fear, wonder, reverence, and awe of the King of the universe. This reflects living in the fear of the Lord.
The books of wisdom in the Bible include Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. They contain the prose and poetry of God-inspired writers while providing the reader with important truths, stories, and wisdom.
Looking for wisdom?
Perhaps read a chapter from Proverbs a day, attuning your soul to the wisdom of God and allowing the Spirit of God to guide and direct your circumstances. When a verse halts your mind and grabs your attention, instead of continuing further to finish reading the chapter, pause and stop. Talk to God the verse, write it on a 3×5 card, and pray into it with both words and quietness.
Connect with the Lover of your soul in silence and stillness allowing your soul to settle with your Savior. Companion with Jesus and listen as He offers the wisdom you seek. Your wisdom teeth may have been pulled out long ago, but in depth, desire, and devotion the wisdom of God can flow into your soul, offering His peace, presence, and power.
Drips from the Word: Muse about these Bible verses. Let these truths impact your living.
1 Chronicles 1:10-12 – Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”
James 3:17 – But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Splashes from the Spigot: Drink from deep wells. Read these recommended books to fill your soul.
J.I. Packer. Knowing God. Downers Grove, IL. 1993.
Nancy Guthrie. The Wisdom of God: Seeing Jesus in the Psalms and Wisdom Books. Wheaton, IL. 2012.
Sprinklings of Truth: Soak in meaningful songs. Check out these music videos to lift up your spirit.
the Bible Project. The Book of Proverbs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga04dPs_uA&vl=en
Keith and Kristyn Getty. Perfect Wisdom of God. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSnzYnOe6kl