What is it to be wise?

“Wherefore be ye not unwise,” Eph 5:17a

If we are charged to not be unwise… we have to know what wise is.  I have held that wisdom is knowledge put to use.  Wisdom is an action.  To be wise is a state.  How does the Bible define “wise” and how would that redefine what Biblical wisdom is?

“ but understanding what the will of the Lord [is]” Eph 5:17b

To be wise is to understand what the will of the Lord is. 

What a difference. 

Therefore, BIBLICAL wisdom is to act according to the will of the Lord. 

We are to act.  The Word of the Lord reveals the Will of the Lord.  And when we know the Word, we can demonstrate this wisdom we speak of.

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, [even] the hidden [wisdom], which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known [it], they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Cor 2:6-8

Had they known (knowledge), and had they put that knowledge to use (wisdom)…

Had that knowledge been an understanding of the will of the Lord…

They would not have crucified the Lord of Glory.

Period.

Let us not find ourselves ignorant brothers.  Let us not choose to ignore the facts before us:

“…that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of [insert your name here] also, as of one born out of due time.” 1 Cor. 15:3-8 [addition mine]

And let us ask ourselves…

What are we going to do with that knowledge?

Let us act according to the will of the Lord.

Go… be wise.

SDG