how to become wiser

Last Updated on August 28, 2023

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how to become wiser

HOW TO BECOME A WISER YOU
Being wise is a good quality. It means we have a combination of knowledge and experience coupled with just enough compassion, good judgment, humility and willingness to share with others. Sounds like a winning combination? It is, especially if you want to succeed in life.

Why is wisdom important?
Most of us don’t think of ourselves in terms of being particularly wise. We credit such honors to our favorite fictional characters like Gandalf, The Lord of the Rings, Charlotte, Charlotte’s Web, Atticus Finch, To Kill a Mockingbird, Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter, and Yoda, Star Wars, or people like Oprah Winfrey, Albert Einstein, Mother Teresa, and Mahatma Gandhi. However, each of us harbor bits and pieces of wisdom. As we cultivate our wisdom, we strengthen our contributions to the collective success of society.

How can you become wiser?
Gaining new wisdom is an ongoing process of discovery. According to Aristotle, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” Therefore, to embark on your quest for a wiser you, challenging yourself to:

(1) Experience new opportunities. It’s impossible to gain wisdom when you close yourself off to new possibilities. Get out of your comfort zone and try new things. Put yourself into situations to learn and grow. You might consider going to places you have never been before, engaging in skill building activities that are new to you, and participating in novel social events. Change it up and see where it takes you.

(2) Open your mind to diverse perspectives. Set aside your biases and be receptive to different concepts and points of view. Develop a sense of curiosity as you observe the world from different angles. Don’t base your perspective on the popular opinion or what is comfortable for you. Let your mind be a judgement free sponge for innovative ideas. Be humble as you encounter new learnings and experiences.

(3) Approach new people. Get out and meet new people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Put forth the effort to listen and learn from them without inflicting your own preconceived stereotypes and judgments. Foster conversations that include sharing yourself with others as well as learning more about them. As a perk, focus on cultivating new friendships.

(4) Develop a thirst for learning. Concentrate on learning new things every day. Make it a point to take classes, read books, listen to educational podcasts, watch documentaries, and search the internet for thought-provoking insights. Given the volume of fake information out there, strengthen your critical thinking skills as you actively investigate a problem or situation from multiple perspectives.

(5) Draw upon the wisdom of others. Find wise people to become your mentors. They might include a teacher, spiritual leader, family member, special friend, or someone at work. Identify what makes this person wise and carve out time to engage in meaningful dialogue with them. Soak in their knowledge and experience and apply their wisdom to your life.

(6) Admit and learn from your mistakes. One of the best ways to gain wisdom is by learning from your own mistakes. Whenever you make a mistake, own up to it, stop blaming other people, and start making it a teachable moment. Your best teacher is your last mistake if you take time to learn and grow from it.

(7) Share your wisdom with others. As you gain experience, knowledge, and good judgement, believe in your own wisdom and be willing to communicate it with others. In today’s world, very few of us will reach the highest order of being wise, but all of us can and should contribute to the collective wisdom of the crowd in all venues of life. So, dare to inspire humanity by becoming a wiser you.

We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.
– George Bernard Shaw

Written by: Patricia K. Flanigan, Smart Strategies for Successful Living

Patricia K. Flanigan has worked in higher education for over 28 years. She holds a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne as well as a M.A. in Latin American Studies and B.A. in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Before retiring and moving to Idaho in 2015, she served as the dean of online education and learning resources at Saddleback College, a large community college in Southern California. She currently consults in higher education, volunteers for AARP, writes for a local magazine, and serves as an Affiliate Faculty member at Boise State University and on the Board for LEARN Idaho. Since February 2017, she has been the founding director for Smart Strategies for Successful Living, a community-based website designed to promote quality aging. As an educator, her focus is to inspire others to live and age well.

how to be wise according to the bible

Wisdom is the ability to discern what’s right from what’s wrong. It is a gift that gives us the capability to make the right choice or decision. If knowledge is power, then wisdom is using that power the right way.

We can be educated or intelligent, but without wisdom, our education or intelligence may only be in vain. An intelligent person could earn more fame, money, and fortune, but a wise one could earn more friends, honor and God’s favor.

There is wisdom from people and there is also wisdom from God. The first may be packed with eloquence but less in substance, while the latter may not sound beautiful but full of power.

God’s wisdom can make one wise man more powerful than ten rulers in a city (see Ecclesiastes 7:19). It also preserves the life of its possessor (see Ecclesiastes 7:12).

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What Is The Difference Between Wisdom And Knowledge?
The difference between wisdom and knowledge is:

Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge.

Knowledge is the awareness of information gained through observation, experience, or study.

Through learning and experience, we gain knowledge about our surroundings and how to handle various situations during life.

But without wisdom to apply that knowledge, it isn’t very valuable to us or others.

Someone may know a lot about something, have all kinds of information in their mind, but if they do not have the wisdom to apply it, then they really don’t have much value in their mind or from others.

Bible Verses About Wisdom Video

What Is God’s Wisdom In The Bible?
God’s wisdom is the blessing from God to help us apply knowledge.

God wants us to know His wisdom so we can apply it and have the great ability to handle life instead of being ridiculed.

That’s what wisdom does, and it helps you make wise decisions that are beneficial for you and others.

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, (Proverbs 3:13, NIV)

There is higher wisdom and understanding than people possess. This “wisdom of God” is unlike anything that can be found naturally in the world. It comes only from God, but you can ask Him for wisdom and learning God’s Word.

God wants to give us the wisdom to make good choices in life, avoid temptation and defeat the devil.

Temptation blinds us from the truth and leaves us making poor decisions that always lead to trouble later on.

People can make wise decisions when they seek God’s wisdom when they spend time reading His Word and asking for His guidance.

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. (James 1:5, NIV)

Your commands are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts. (Psalm 119:98–100)

Why Do We Need God’s Wisdom?
Sometimes people go through life without really knowing the impact that they make on those around them. They could be kind-hearted, giving and caring, and completely in tune with others’ moods, but they don’t always see what it is that makes a difference to someone else.

God’s wisdom revolutionizes our lives by showing us how we’ve impacted other people in ways we never would’ve imagined – sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. It also opens our eyes to the wisdom we possess within ourselves.

These insights are important because they help us learn how to be wise in everything we do and say, whether it’s on a personal level or towards an organization.

Characteristics Of God’s Wisdom Video

Characteristics Of God’s Wisdom
God’s wisdom is the sum of all His attributes. It is a force that affects everything we are and does, including our thoughts, feelings, choices, and actions.

We can know God’s wisdom by reading our Bibles.

It guides us through life with a higher purpose that helps us make better decisions and live in harmony with those around us.

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. (James 3:17, NIV)

1. Godly Wisdom Is Pure.
   Godly wisdom purity – free from sin, not corrupt; morally clean.

False wisdom is characterized by sin. It is a false, deceitful guide that leads to disappointment and heartache.

While godly wisdom comes from God who made our hearts, so it is pure from the foundation of our hearts up to the very tops of them.

2. Godly Wisdom Is Peace-Loving.
   False wisdom gets easily offended when faced with any rejection or criticism.

God’s knowledge guides us towards peace, not hostility, gentleness instead of an argumentative spirit.

3. Godly Wisdom Is Considerate.
   God’s wisdom is giving and full of compassion.

It helps us to see things from another person’s perspective without judging them.

False wisdom causes us to be inconsiderate of others, which leads to stress, bitterness, and a closed heart.

4. Godly Wisdom Is Submissive.
   God’s wisdom submits to His will and does what He wants. It allows God to change us for the better.

False wisdom is rebellious, always wanting its own way and making sure it controls the outcome of a situation. This leads to sin and wrong-doing in all areas of life.

5. Godly Wisdom Is Full Of Mercy And Good Fruit.
   God gives us wisdom that leads us to show mercy on others according to our means, helping those hurting financially, physically, or emotionally. It also encourages us to do things that bring goodness into people’s lives instead of despairing them with false hope.
6. Godly Wisdom Is Impartial.
   God loves everyone the same. He doesn’t want us to be prejudiced towards anyone, which is shown in His impartial wisdom.

False wisdom goes along with what’s popular or trendy, fulfilling our own selfish desires.

7. Godly Wisdom Is Sincere.
   It comes from a pure, genuine source that wants nothing but good things for us and those around us. Therefore, to have God’s wisdom within ourselves, we must live honestly and sincerely, just as God does toward us.

10 Ways To Have Wisdom From God
So how can we have wisdom from God according to the Bible? Here are 10 biblical ways to be wise:

1. Ask For Wisdom From God.
   “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” – James 1:5 (KJV)

The first thing you can do to gain wisdom from God is to ask it from Him. Admit that you lack wisdom. Overcome your arrogance and admit that you have also been a folly.

2. Ask Faithfully.
   “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.” – James 1:6-7 (KJV)

Be faithful when asking and praying for wisdom from God. Cast all your doubts away and believe in Him. In other words, don’t ask wisdom while you disobey His commands – that is an act of hypocrisy and unfaithfulness. Believing in God and being faithful to Him means you also keep and obey His commandments.

How to Have Wisdom from God According to the Bible
Photo by geralt

3. Be A God-Fearing Person.
   “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” – Psalm 111:10 (KJV)

When you have fear in God, you follow His teachings and obey His commands. You avoid committing sins that will displease Him. You stay away from acts that will inflict harm upon yourself and other people. And then you will realize that these are good – these are right – and that is wisdom.

4. Be Humble.
   “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” – James 3:13-16 (NIV)

If you want to have wisdom from God, live a humble life. Humility will help you overcome envy and selfish ambition that lead to wicked practices. So choose humility and wisdom, not foolishness and wickedness.

5. Be Prudent.
   “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.” – Proverbs 8:12 (ESV)

Wisdom is the ability to make good judgments. Hence, always practice prudence. Don’t be hasty in making decisions. Always expand your knowledge. The more you know, the better your judgment will be.

6. Be Peaceful And Considerate.
   “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” – James 3:17 (KJV)

Always observe awareness and practice peacefulness. Be gentle and slow to anger. Learn how to forgive and show mercy. Be considerate of the feelings of the people around you. Have compassion and understand the sufferings of others. By achieving calmness, peacefulness and full awareness of your surroundings, you will have a better chance to receive the wisdom that comes from God.

7. Read The Holy Scriptures And Know The Words Of God.
   “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 3:15 (KJV)

Be patient in reading and learning God’s words in the Bible. The scriptures contain instructions, warnings, and guidance on how we should live and walk on Earth. The more you know the words of God, the more you will be wise.

How to Have Wisdom from God According to the Bible
Photo by doungtepro

8. Know Our Lord Better.
   “that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” – Colossians 2:2-3 (ESV)

Our Lord Christ is God’s wisdom. Read more about Him in the Holy Bible. Listen to the preachers who know Him better. Learn His ways and follow His teachings. Believe in Him and love Him. These will certainly give you the key to the treasures of wisdom.

9. Preach And Practice The Words Of God.
   “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” – Colossians 3:16 (KJV)

Be the manifestation of God’s wisdom. Do not just learn God’s words, but also preach and practice it. Make yourself the substantial evidence of kindness, compassion, self-discipline, and love. Let the people around you realize that the wisdom of God, which is Christ, is within you.

10. Do Your Best To Get Wisdom.
    “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” – Proverbs 4:5-7 (NIV)

Do your best to get wisdom. Free yourself from foolishness, arrogance, pride, envy, hatred, selfishness, and all the things that hinder wisdom from entering your body, mind, heart, and soul. Let the pure wisdom of God dwell in you.