Humble Wisdom

Humble wisdom does not hint at a holier-than-thou attitude. On the contrary, it is contrite before Christ and modest before men. Humble wisdom is very grateful to God for His blessing of insight and understanding into eternal matters. Wisdom is not a badge of superiority to be worn with pride, but a blanket of security that humbles the heart.

Wisdom without humility becomes conceited and accompanies a condescending attitude. It is ugly, disfiguring to the soul. It is like star athletes who are so full of themselves they fail to reach their potential for lack of team support. However, humble wisdom says, “I am a fellow learner of the Lord’s ways; I am a work in progress just like you.” It is to a heart of humility that God entrusts His wisdom; so stay desperate for divine direction.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13).

The more wisdom increases in your heart and mind, the more pride needs to decrease in your persona. It is the fear of the Lord that keeps you from thinking you can be anything special outside of your Savior Jesus. The fear of God does not forget that wisdom comes from above. Yes, your experiences enhance wisdom, and your pain can produce wisdom, but ultimately wisdom resides with God and His Word.

This is why in humility you hunker down and pray:

Heavenly Father, I bow in awe before you and ask for insight and direction. You are the author of all wisdom.

It is submission to Christ and His command that squeezes out selfish, worldly wisdom and replaces it with the humble wisdom of heaven. Therefore, request wisdom for His glory, and never cease to learn from those whom the Lord sends daily into your life.

“Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits” (Romans 12:16 AB).

Prayer: Whom can I learn from today to become wiser in humility of mind and heart?

Related Readings: 1 Kings 3:4–15; Isaiah 5:21; Romans 11:20–25; Revelation 14:7