“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm”— Proverbs 13:20(NRSV).
Social media and 24/7 news programs have added a new dimension to the cacophony of voices clamoring for our attention. While there are some advantages to having this access, I am beginning to think they are surpassed by the negative weighing us down and often leading to wrong choices.
As fabricated stories, also called fake news, continue to proliferate on these social sites, it has become more difficult to discern the truth. Although some are outright unbelievable, many will fall for the false information and share it as the truth. Seeking the source of these posts helps if we are wise enough to seek it.
Our best source of wisdom is God’s Word. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Because so much of the world’s wisdom is foolishness (1 Corinthians 3:19), it is imperative, as believers, that we seek His guidance. A recent devotional shared by a friend addressed the fast pace of most of our lives. The writer said, “We find ourselves being driven by rapidly changing circumstances.”
Using the example of a furniture store commercial, this writer pointed out how we are afraid of missing out on a good deal because the spokesperson shouts, “You have to come now” or you’ll miss out on the savings because the items on sale won’t last long or there are limited quantities available.
We live in a world where urgency to take action of some sort, whether it’s to make a purchase or to share false news, is becoming the norm. How can we discern the right from the wrong, the good from the evil? How do we know when to act and when to be still? The answers can be found when we go to the Source of all wisdom, all truth.
In a recent “Bible Love Notes” devotional, the author offered three steps for seeking God’s wisdom:
- Seek God’s wisdom wholeheartedly. Proverbs 2: 1-5 tells us to accept His Words and treasure His commandments, being attentive to wisdom and inclining our heart to understanding. If we cry out for insight and understanding, we will understand the fear of the Lord and find God’s knowledge.
- Seek His wisdom with complete confidence that He will give it generously. James 1:5-6 says that if we lack wisdom, we can ask God, who gives generously and ungrudgingly. We must, however, ask in faith and never doubt.
- Seek His wisdom in Christ, the Living Word. In Colossians 2:2-3, Paul says, “I want them to have complete confidence that they understand God’s mysterious plan, which is Christ himself. In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”
If you follow these practical steps with a sincere desire to know the Spirit of truth, His wisdom will lead you and guide you into all truth and righteousness (John 16:13).