Wisdom for Life 101

A very wise and sacred book called the Bible, tells us that, "Wisdom is the principle (main) thing; therefore get wisdom; and in all your getting, get understanding" (Proverbs 4:7) KJV. It is quite obvious that without wisdom your life will not be effective, promising and full. To live without wisdom is like someone floundering through life. It is like a game of hit and miss. It is like entering a maze and struggling to find the exit. No one really sets out in life to be dumb, dull, ignorant, short-sighted, gullible or easily manipulated. No one sets out to live a life that is constantly snow-balling out of control or sync with who they really are or purpose to be. Hence, wisdom is crucial in helping you manage your life in such a way that you are a help and benefit to yourself and others. Everyone needs knowledge, understanding and common sense with regards to all aspects of life; and then the wisdom to know how to best use their arsenal of knowledge and understanding. Wisdom is vital in the stewardship of: Time Management, Relationships, Spiritual and Practical aspects. Financial aspects, Health and Lifestyle, Careers, Aspirations and Dreams, Gifting and Talents, Business ventures, Conflict resolution techniques and Parenting. In simple terms, wisdom is knowing how to effectively use the knowledge and understanding you gain for your advancement and betterment. Wisdom can also be seen as one possessing insight, soundness, prudence, discernment and sapience. In the Oxford dictionary wisdom is defined as having good judgment, or common sense; being wise, being aware, alert and experienced. You can always tell when someone is unwise, whether in their finances, relationships, assets, gifts, health and time. Wisdom, or the lack of it shows up in one's behaviour, speech or manner of life. How you live and manage your life indicates your level of wisdom. People who think they know it all are unlikely to learn anything new. No one knows everything. That is why we need the counsel of others, which could prove beneficial and life-changing. Wise people will always seek out wise counsel. It starts by you closing your mouth and opening your ears. What you have to say, you already know. What others say may be new to you. They may bring out things that you did not previously know or experience. No one grows alone, or becomes wise without assistance. There are people constantly feeding richness into your life. Your job is to take it in, assimilate it and let it work for your benefit. So it is wise to acknowledge and accept enlightenment from others; especially in areas of lack in your life. Trust the wisdom of God in others, and lean on or rely fully on God. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5) KJV. Again Solomon tells us in Proverbs 1:5 that a wise man will listen to good instruction and increase in learning. The person who pays close attention to wise counsel or advice shows great understanding. Only unwise people reject sound or good counsel. You are safe when you are in the company of people who give you sound and reliable advice. "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors, there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14) KJV. A person cannot spend great amounts of time in the company of fools and expect to be wiser. A wise Proverb in the Bible says, "He that walketh (associates) with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed (ruined) Proverbs 13:20 (KJV). It is a tragedy to be heading for calamity and not even know it. That is why you need wisdom everyday for all situations. That term "ignorance is bliss" is not always true. Ignorance can prove detrimental in many circumstances. Wisdom will never be your enemy. Wisdom is like a close friend. Wisdom is a graceful and gracious thing. Wisdom helps you experience the pleasantness and meaningful side of life in the face of many harsh realities. Wisdom is strongly likened to an ornament of grace or crown of glory, according to Proverbs 4:9. In other words wisdom promotes you and brings honour and stableness to your life. It beautifies or adorns you. So wisdom is seen as a precious treasure. Wisdom enhances your life just like jewellery adorns or enhances a person's beauty. Wisdom helps you function the best way. Let wisdom be the seedbed from which you cultivate an effective, wholesome and meaningful life. Here is a bite-size wisdom principle: Don't reach the end of your most pivotal years and wish you had taken all the golden opportunities presented to you. It is better to have attempted and failed, than to have played it safe, but with little achievement. You only have one life, so make it count.