Let’s talk wisdom. Because this is something that is lacking today.
Let me ask a question. Have you ever done something and immediately regretted it? I sure have. I will share a time such as that. It was an early spring day in 2010. We went to my parents’ farm. Dad was loading the cattle onto the trailer to take them to the sale barn. My husband and I went up to help, something I’ve done many times before. I jumped the round pen panel to grab the gate and hold it open to get a bull onto the trailer. As I turned, gate in hand to walk back to the edge of the round pen, I heard my brother-in-law yell, “HEY.” I barely turned to see what he was yelling about, and the bull was right there. He hit me in the side, slamming me against the round pen. A split second, faster than a snap of a finger, the unimaginable happened. Crushing pain in my ribcage, horrific pain seared in my back and legs as I screamed in agony, looking across the pen at my husband, who had a horrified look on his face, an image I will never forget. I got my bearings and jumped back over the round pen panel to safety before the bull came back for more, lying down on a rock in pain. Adrenaline pumping, realizing in that moment. My heart sank. What about our baby? What did I just do? Panic hit inside, but I stayed calm so I didn’t scare everyone else. Ben came to my aid and called 911. Dad walked over to check on me, asked if I was ok, and I said with a slight chuckle and hint of sarcasm, “I am pretty sure I broke some ribs.” He grabbed my belly and said, ‘I hope that’s all.’ Ben and I were expecting our first child. I should have known better than to get into that situation. But I had done it a hundred times. Why was that day different? I was rushed by ambulance to the hospital, with 4 broken ribs, but our baby was perfectly fine and healthy. Later that year, on August 7, 2010, we welcomed our son into this world. Healthy and happy. I thank God for our precious boy and for keeping him safe!
I later found out I broke my back in that accident. From then on out, I have had horrible back and rib pain; one rib pops in and out of place constantly. It’s so fun, not….. You can probably understand or at least relate to the fact that one event, 16 years later, causes me pain. Not only emotional pain, but also daily physical pain. Although I don’t sit around dwelling on this one event, I do have regrets over my choice to enter the pen that day. But….. It does make for a cool story now! Matthew loves it when he can tell that story, just so he can share how incredibly strong his momma is; his words, not mine.
As I’ve gotten older, I’m realizing wisdom is one of the most valuable assets we gain in life. Wisdom helps you make good choices, use kind words, and have a strong work ethic. Wisdom is how you react to mistreatment from others, what you place value in, how you control your anger, and how you act when no one is looking. In Proverbs 1:1-7, NKJV, the Bible says:
Proverbs 1:1–7 (NKJV)
1 The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, 3 To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; 4 To give prudence to the simple, To the young man, knowledge and discretion— 5 A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, 6 To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
This serves as the foundation for the entire book of Proverbs, outlining the core principles for living the life God wants for you. The passage shows us that true wisdom is not just intellectual but is a practical skill for living successfully under God. It teaches how to wisely deal with others in righteousness, justice, and equality. Helps us discern between half-truths and God’s truth. Teaching us to continue learning regardless of age. To have a reverent fear (be in awe, humble and submissive) of God’s authority. We should strive to have a good moral compass, be God-centered, and not be someone who is morally and spiritually stubborn (a fool).
It is also helpful when you can utilize this God-given wisdom, understanding it is not in your best interest to engage with someone who is purposely gaslighting you, or, as we country folks like to say, get a rise out of you. Learning that keeping your mouth shut when you really want to snap back at someone who just ran your name in the mud, or having a harsh reaction when you’re juggling what feels like a hundred things, barely keeping it together, and your toddler just took off their dirty diaper, smearing poop on the walls like it’s a paint party, and your 5 year old decided it was a good idea to pour a glass of milk, spilling almost an entire gallon on the table and floor. It’s in these times, when chaos hits, you’re ready to scream, and pull your hair out, yet you remain calm, collected, extending grace, mercy, and understanding, that are key moments in which you know you’re growing in wisdom.
Our heavenly Father extends that same calmness, grace, mercy, and understanding towards us. Maybe even laughing a bit at our chaos, because, if we really sit and think about it, God is dealing with every single person on this earth, at the same time, every day. Like a billion toddlers throwing tantrums, asking for this, that, and a wiffle ball bat, going wild and crazy. Yet, God remains calm, extends grace, understanding, and forgiveness.
Biblical wisdom often requires years of practice, self-control, patience, self-discipline, and extended grace. Although I am still lacking in these areas. I find comfort in knowing God extends grace and forgiveness to me through His son Jesus Christ, and helps me gain spiritual wisdom by remaining in His word daily. I will leave you with this final thought:
"Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me."
John 15:4 (NKJV)