Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God…be honor and glory forever and ever, Amen (1 Timothy 1:17 KJV). The Apostle Paul reminded Timothy that God, above all, has the ultimate capacity for wisdom. He also encouraged Timothy, a young minister of the Gospel, with these words, Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity (1 Timothy 4:12-13 NLT).
God’s wisdom is described more fully in James 3:17 (Amplified): But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile]. The fact that God alone is wise, as Jude 25 states, means that He only is infinitely wise and is the fountain of wisdom.
Yet He freely shares His profound wisdom with us, just for the asking. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5 NKJV). Young Timothy undoubtedly faced many perplexing issues with the people entrusted to him. What a challenging task to guard, guide, and fold those older than himself or the teenagers in his church.
I’m sure many pastors and church leaders fret over showing a senior member an area of his life that is in error. Advising teens requires a special gift as well. By being examples of Christlikeness in our words, actions, love, faith, and purity, we can more effectively help others with the wisdom the Lord gives us, no matter how old or young they may be.
Notice that the first word defining the wisdom from above is “pure.” The word in Greek also means chaste—pure from every fault, immaculate. It involves more than purity from a sexual standpoint. This purity is free from a mixture of evil or defilement. Another quality of this purity is that it is “pure, as being tested,” literally “judged by the sunlight.” Paul also commented on purity in his encouraging words to Timothy, emphasizing purity or chastity, excluding all impurity of spirit, manner, or act.
Wisdom from God is also easily entreated, which means easily asked, not stubborn or sour. When the Lord gives us wisdom from above to help in a situation, it is like a refreshing drink of cool water on a hot day. God’s wisdom brings light and hope, especially since the underlying Spirit of Christ is apparent. Receiving counsel from a person who has no self-serving guile or hidden motives is precisely what it is like to have the Savior Himself speak into a troubling situation.
Jesus’ words of wisdom always brought life and hope; ours should, too. Nothing is quite as unsettling or troubling as being advised or counseled by someone with ulterior motives or a selfish angle. Christ never has anything but our highest good in mind, and that kind of purity is a hallmark of His wisdom.
God is infinitely wise, and He is the fountain of wisdom. The closer we are to Him, the more our counsel and advice will reflect His wisdom.
© 2023, Chris Werre