How to Get the Wisdom of God
Wisdom is one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, which are enumerated in Isaiah 11:2–3[1]. These gifts are present in their fullness in Jesus Christ, who is the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:24). But how can we get wisdom of God in our lives? How can we follow the example of Christ and become wise in the eyes of God and men?
1. Fear the Lord
The first and most important tip is to fear the Lord. This does not mean to be afraid of God, but to have a reverential awe and respect for Him. To fear the Lord is to acknowledge His greatness, His power, His justice, and His mercy. It is to love Him above all things and to obey His commandments.
The book of Proverbs says: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Prov 9:10). The book of Sirach says: "To fear the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom" (Sirach 1:14). The book of Psalms says: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it" (Ps 111:10).
To fear the Lord is to have a humble and contrite heart, to recognize our sinfulness and our need for God's grace. It is to trust in His providence and to seek His will in all things. It is to avoid evil and to do good.
2. Pray for Wisdom
The second tip is to pray for wisdom. God is the source of all wisdom, and He gives it generously to those who ask Him. The book of James says: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him" (James 1:5).
We can pray for wisdom in different ways. We can pray with the words of Scripture, such as Psalm 119: "Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end" (Ps 119:33). We can pray with the words of Jesus, such as the Lord's Prayer: "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Mt 6:10). We can pray with the words of Mary, such as the Magnificat: "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Lk 1:46-47).
We can also pray with the words of the saints, such as St. Thomas Aquinas, who composed a prayer for wisdom before studying:
Grant me, O Lord my God,
a mind to know you,
a heart to seek you,
wisdom to find you,
conduct pleasing to you,
faithful perseverance in waiting for you,
and a hope of finally embracing you.
Amen.
3. Read the Word of God
The third tip is to study the Word of God. The Word of God is the revelation of God's wisdom for us. It contains His law, His promises, His deeds, His teachings, His parables, His mysteries, His commands, His warnings, His blessings, and His love.
The Word of God is inspired by the Holy Spirit and written by human authors under His guidance. It is composed of two parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament contains the books written before the coming of Christ, which prepare us for His coming. The New Testament contains the books written after the coming of Christ, which proclaim His life, death, resurrection, ascension, and sending of the Holy Spirit.
The Word of God is alive and active. It speaks to us today as it spoke to the people of old. It enlightens our minds, inflames our hearts, guides our steps, corrects our errors, comforts our sorrows, strengthens our faith, nourishes our hope, and inspires our love.
The Word of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16). It helps us to know God's will and to do it. It helps us to grow in wisdom and holiness.
To study the Word of God, we need to read it regularly and attentively. We need to meditate on it prayerfully and apply it practically. We need to interpret it faithfully and share it fruitfully.
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4. Learn from the Church
The fourth tip is to learn from the Church. The Church is the pillar and bulwark of the truth (1 Tim 3:15). It is the custodian and interpreter of the Word of God. It is the teacher and guide of the faithful. It is the mother and model of wisdom.
The Church is founded by Christ, who is the head of the Church. It is animated by the Holy Spirit, who is the soul of the Church. It is composed of the hierarchy, who are the shepherds of the Church, and the laity, who are the members of the Church.
The Church has a rich and varied tradition of wisdom, which includes the teachings of the Magisterium, the writings of the Fathers and Doctors, the lives of the saints, the liturgy and sacraments, the creeds and councils, the catechism and canon law, and the spiritual and moral theology.
To learn from the Church, we need to listen to its voice and follow its guidance. We need to respect its authority and obey its precepts. We need to appreciate its diversity and cherish its unity. We need to participate in its life and contribute to its mission.
5. Seek Wise Counsel
The fifth tip is to seek wise counsel. Wisdom is not something that we can acquire by ourselves. We need the help of others who have more experience, knowledge, insight, or virtue than we do. We need to consult them when we face difficult decisions, complex problems, or moral dilemmas.
The book of Proverbs says: "Where there is no guidance, a people falls; but in an abundance of counselors there is safety" (Prov 11:14). The book of Sirach says: "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future" (Sirach 6:37).
We can seek wise counsel from different sources. We can seek it from God, who is the supreme counselor. We can seek it from our parents, who are our first teachers. We can seek it from our priests, who are our spiritual fathers. We can seek it from our friends, who are our companions. We can seek it from our mentors, who are our role models.
To seek wise counsel, we need to be humble and open-minded. We need to be honest and sincere. We need to be attentive and respectful. We need to be grateful and appreciative.
