How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver. (Proverbs 16:16)   

 Let us start with definitions for wisdom and understanding.  Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment.  Understanding is the ability to understand something, or to comprehend.

Wisdom can lead to gold and silver, riches.  This isn't always the case, but is more probable when one has wisdom.  Our best biblical example is Solomon.  God granted Solomon wisdom and riches.

Why wisdom?

Often gold and silver without wisdom are lost by their owner.  For instance, other people often try to endear themselves to people with much gold and silver.  People who do this usually try to gain some material benefit from this relationship.  Some individuals even attempt to outright swindle or steal the gold and silver.  In light of this, wisdom will allow its possessor to discern the good from the bad.

In addition, wisdom can benefit us in other than the area of material gain.  Wisdom has value in our personal relationships.  Whether these relationships are with a husband, wife, brother, sister, or friend.

How Can We Obtain Wisdom?

Wisdom is often obtained as one gets more experience in a given area of life.  In addition, it can be improved by increasing ones knowledge.  Even so, it should be added that knowledge alone doesn't guarantee wisdom.  Also, as Christians we can pray as Solomon did and ask for wisdom.  We can study God's holy word, the Bible.

In conclusion, the epitome of wisdom is the exercise of good judgment.  The exercise of good judgment is often what other men and women notice about a wise person. 

As your guide, ask yourself these questions:

Do I have enough wisdom?

If not, then how can I gain more wisdom?

If so, then how can I help someone who isn't as wise, as I think I am : ) ?   

 Copyright 2002