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In my estimation, this world has again taken a wrong turn. In many respects we are lost even though some falsely believe we are in control of our destiny.

We’ve gained great knowledge, but we suffer from lack of Godly wisdom.

In Proverbs 9:1 we are counseled, “Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn out her seven pillars.”

In Proverbs 9:10 we’re further instructed, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Do you find those words at all sobering?

So, the logical question is “Where do we go to find wisdom?” Well, let’s turn to James 1:5 where we are told, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

James concludes that wisdom comes from heaven and we’re further told in James 3:17, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

These are the seven pillars mentioned in Proverbs that are the fundamental foundational elements in the spiritual gift of wisdom.

Yes, wisdom is a gift from God that is available to all who ask and come to the Lord in humility realizing they are nothing without Him; i.e., nothing of heavenly value at least.

This world presents the lie that we don’t need a relationship with our Heavenly Father and we are just fine in our self-sufficiency. That’s what the Deceiver has been presenting to humankind since the beginning of time. Please don’t fall for his deceptive schemes.

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Let’s briefly address these seven pillars presented in the Book of James. All that comes from God is pure and worthy of our full attention. The Lord comes with a gentle peace-loving demeanor. We must of course be considerate of others and submissive to our Lord.

And, as our Lord is merciful, we, too, must be merciful and fruitful in our actions with all God places in our path. Impartiality and sincerity must become our way of life.

As a Christian businessman, I’ve learned the value of the words of Paul found in Colossians 3:23-24: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Those are riveting words for those who do business as a livelihood. If the Lord is pleased with the way we do business, then all is good and I can sleep well. I trust you, too, can sleep well.

In ending this discussion, it seems appropriate to turn to the words of King Solomon found in Ecclesiastes 12:13-14. Here’s how he ends his dissertation on the vanity of life: “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter; Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.”

His wisdom is certainly more valuable than all the knowledge in the world, and it’s available to all who humbly ask for this most special of gifts.

— Jim Langley has been writing for more than 30 years while working as a life and health insurance agent in Santa Barbara. In recent years, his passion has turned to writing about his personal relationship with God, and his goal is to encourage others to draw near to Him as well. As a longtime member of CBMC of Santa Barbara (Christian Business Men’s Connection), he started writing Fourth Quarter Strategies columns in 2014, and he now reaches an international audience through the CBMC International devotional Monday Manna. He can be contacted at [email protected] for more information. Click here for previous columns. The opinions expressed are his own.

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