Ecclesiastes 10:10 (NLT), “Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That’s the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed.”

The Bible is filled with scriptures listing the benefits of Godly wisdom in our lives. Proverbs 4:7 tells us that wisdom is the principal thing, the first order of importance for man. Proverbs 8:18 says righteousness, riches and honour and enduring wealth are found within wisdom. Proverbs 9:11 tells us that wisdom multiplies and increases the years of our lives. If wisdom is so valuable, what is it, and how do we access it to see all its benefits materialize in our lives? To begin with, the wisdom we are talking about is not of this world. It’s not human wisdom - it’s a divine attribute of God. He is wisdom. The AMPC translation calls wisdom the comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God. Colossians 2:2-3 says all the treasures of divine wisdom are stored up and lie hidden in Christ! This means, if we know and encounter God, we know and encounter wisdom. The Bible does give us specific instructions on how to encounter wisdom. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding.” Let’s separate this scripture into two parts. The first says the chief part of wisdom is the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord. The second part tells us that when we know God, we are able to properly comprehend and understand His wisdom. Now, we know that we simply can’t reverently worship and fear the Lord outside of knowing the truth of who He is from the perspective of His Word. The Word, through the Holy Spirit enlightening it to us, accurately reveals and reflects the glory and majesty and awesome character of God. As we learn to know God and respect and worship Him on the basis of what His Word says about Him, we activate and are able to receive the unhindered flow of His divine wisdom. It flows as a river of life, up from our spirits, where He lives, and into our souls, enlightening our minds with His perspective concerning all things we ask Him about. This is how we are able to have wisdom to succeed.