The concept of wisdom is not too foreign to us as Believers, although lacking in a concise definition, yet the study of scriptures, the teachings of preachers and the findings of researchers have somewhat laid a foundation as a sort of explanation as to what wisdom really is. The result of this is that we all know that wisdom is not logical, it is not common sense and it is definitely not a realm of intelligence.
Now, not being a preacher and all, I’m not going to get into the theology of what wisdom is or isn’t, however I just want to share with you, a certain perspective I have of it. The commercial aspect or value. Please follow me closely, you might learn a few things.
Commerce, the industry of buying and selling or at least doing things for a profit, is possibly one of the largest and fastest growing industry in the world today, the implication of this is a world that is so commercialized that everything has a price fixed to it. No matter how creative or ingenuous you are, if people are not willing to pay for your product or service, then it is almost as good as useless. Look at it this way, the fact that an illiterate knows that 20 naira + 20 naira =40 naira is not common sense, it’s commerce sense.
You might be wondering, what has commerce got to do with wisdom? One moment please………
My understanding of commerce has enabled me to acknowledge and appreciate the three basic components that create the commercial value. It’s what I like to refer as the 3P’S!
PRODUCT, PRICE and PROFIT.
To understand the three components of commerce in the concept of wisdom, we will have to look at each component vis-à-vis the scriptures.
• PRODUCT- Proverbs 4.7 says Wisdom is the principal thing therefore get wisdom, and in all thy getting, get understanding too. To get wisdom we will have to buy it, don’t be alarmed o, I’ll show you why. Proverbs 23.23 says clearly, buy the truth and sell it not, buy also, wisdom, instruction and understanding. So, you see, wisdom is the principal product that must be purchased.
• PRICE- naturally, like most goods or services that must be purchased, wisdom is to be bought with a price and one that doesn’t come cheap. What are the prices of wisdom that we must therefore pay to acquire her?
1. The fear of God-according to Proverbs 1.7, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. What does it mean to fear God? Acknowledging his supremacy, accepting his ultimate sovereignty and walking in the consciousness that he watches and sees your every move, that he cannot be deceived nor mocked and he alone has the power to destroy both body and soul.
2. Diligent search-Proverbs 2.4, speaking about wisdom says we should you seek her as silver, and search for her as hidden treasures. James 1.5 also asks-does any man need wisdom? He should ask of the Lord who gives freely. By this we all know where to begin our search, it saves us time to know that you don’t search for wisdom in the classrooms, science labs or research centers, wisdom is found only in God and in his word!
3. Association-Proverbs 8.12a, says I wisdom dwell with prudence, knowledge and discretion. Now, if wisdom dwells with these virtues, then we must of necessity inculcate them in our lives. Secondly, Proverbs 13.20 states that he who walks with the wise will be wise. At this point, you want to watch the company you keep. They don’t have to be grey bearded men with staffs and sandals, however they should have an element of prudence, knowledge and discretion, that way, you are sure that you’ll be in good company, and I mean the company of wisdom!
• PROFIT- all the efforts listed above would be somewhat useless if there was no benefit of some sort. Scripture speaking in Ecclesiastes 10.10 says wisdom is PROFITABLE to direct.
so, I’ll say that the no1 benefit of wisdom is Direction. Imagine a life of always knowing what next, the right thing to do, a life free of uncertainty, confusion and despair? Your answer is as good as mine. Likewise in Proverbs 3.15-18(paraphrased) the proceeds of wisdom are better that the profits of silver, she is more precious than rubies and all your desires cannot compare with her, she is a tree of life to those who take hold of her and her ways are ways of pleasantness.
This topic or rather necessary aspect of life cannot be over emphasized, I did not seek to do justice to the job, but I do hope I succeeded in creating or wetting your existent appetite. Hopefully you have some shopping to do!
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