The ABCs of Christian Character series has entered the home stretch! There are only a few letters left for us to explore. Way back in June, Joyice Harris of Raising Boys Homeschool and I began sharing weekly posts about the Christ-centered character traits we want our children to embrace. If you’re interested in reading about the other traits I’ve shared, please visit this page. Today’s post addresses the letter W. W is for wise.
What is the definition of the word wise?
The word wise means having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment.
What does the Bible say about being wise?
Wisdom is a frequently addressed topic in the Bible. In fact, in the book of Proverbs, Solomon offers ample advice about why wisdom is important, how to get wisdom, and what to do with the wisdom we gain.
Wisdom is important for two reasons. Applying wisdom allows us to make good decisions and using wisdom sets us on the path to true happiness. Proverbs 3:13 reminds us of this by saying, “Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gets understanding.” For further reading about the importance of wisdom, read all of Proverbs 2.
True wisdom cannot be achieved without God’s intervention. We live in a complex world and we face a myriad of choices each day. Trying to choose the proper course of action without God’s guidance can and often does lead to disaster. Isaiah warns us saying, “Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.” Attempting to be wise on our own is dangerous.
We are to use the wisdom we gain to live full lives that please God. We are to use wisdom to make good decisions that will not only impact us, but our future generations and we are to use wisdom to draw others to God.
Teaching our girls to be wise:
Read the Bible with your children. As you read the scriptures together, discuss Biblical figures who used wisdom (Nehemiah, Joseph, Esther, Daniel) and study how their lives improved because they wisely chose to obey God. Be sure to explore other Biblical figures who shunned wisdom (Ananias and Sapphira, Judas Iscariot, and a lengthy list of kings found in the books of I and II Kings) and note how barren their lives were because they lacked wisdom. As you study God’s word help your children see that making a wise decision is not nearly as hard when God is the one who id giving us direction.
Obey the teaching of the Bible. Teach your children that reading the Bible is a wonderful start, but following its instructions is even better. I often tell the girlies that filling the car’s gas tank is good, but if we fail to turn the key and hit the gas pedal, we’re just idling, not making any progress. And so it is with wisdom. If we gain wisdom but don’t apply it, we’re not really doing much of anything. As we obey the Bible’s precepts, God teaches us how to apply wisdom in our lives.
Listen to your parents. We never want the girls to be feel burdened and alone so we remind them that God has given them parents to help them make wise decisions. The girlies see us praying and reading the Bible so they understand we’re leading them as God leads us. Because we’re following God, they can listen to us with confidence, trust that we have their best interests in mind, and depend upon us to give them wise counsel they can use to make wise decisions.
Surround yourself with wise people. We want the girlies to keep good company because we understand that friends can have a great influence upon their attitudes and behaviors. We’re teaching the girlies to look for Godly qualities in friends and we’re praying these friendships will grow into deep relationships. In addition, we’re also helping to surround our children with a wide network of trusted, wise, and Christ-centered adults (grandparents, godparents, and family friends) who can assist them in making wise decisions as they grow.
A prayer for wisdom:
Dear Lord, once again I thank you Your Word, the Holy Bible. Thank you for speaking wise words to us through Biblical accounts. Thank you for showing us how to live wise lives and providing us with wise people who can help us make wise decisions. When we lack wisdom, help us to seek Your wisdom and refrain from trying to do things on our own. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen.
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© 2014, Andrea Thorpe. All rights reserved.
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