What About Wisdom? Where Do I Find It?

What about wisdom? Where do I find it?

I often have meetings with folks who are looking for answers. Sometimes, I feel I have an answer, but often they have the answers they are looking for but are unwilling to move on for many reasons.  

For instance, many of the people I speak to deal with people suffering from mental unwellness. One cannot expect mentally unwell people to make mentally healthy decisions. Fear, depression, trauma, etc., drive decisions that will not necessarily be healthy.   

Folks seek wisdom. They are seeking understanding from God, education, and others.  

I know as a young man, I needed help. Growing up in a codependent, dysfunctional family, I had a lot to learn about what “normal” might look like. And I think lots of folks are like that. We seek our professionals for financial, legal, and medical reasons.   

But, when we look at the thought process related to family and relationships or handling situations of spirituality, what do we do?  

If I define wisdom as wise, what does that mean? 

What is wisdom?  

Wisdom is understanding and applying knowledge, experience, and insights in making decisions and solving problems. It involves having good judgment, common sense, and the ability to see things from different perspectives. Wisdom also consists in recognizing the limits of one’s knowledge and understanding the interconnectedness of things.  

From one of my early 12-step meetings, I remember a step that brought me to this. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. Okay, so let me walk down this road. That power must be spiritual and contain wisdom.  

So, then what is wisdom from God?  

Wisdom from God refers to the understanding and insight from a divine source rather than from human experience or reason alone. This is often viewed as a spiritual gift in many religious traditions and is believed to give people a deeper understanding of the world and their place in it. In many cases, this type of wisdom is considered a type of revelation and is thought to provide guidance and comfort to those seeking it.  

But sometimes, things get in the way. Severing a connection to spiritual power.   

Make the future bright

For instance, what do I do when wisdom looks like fear?  

(When I first came into the church, many tried to keep me from doing dangerous things. Rock climbing, driving hours in snowstorms, martial arts, and more. I did many of those things under the influence, so why would I not do it “clean and sober,” trusting in God?)  

In some cases, wisdom can appear as fear, especially when it directs a person away from danger or harm. For example, a person may feel fear when faced with a risky decision, but if that fear is based on a deep understanding of the potential consequences, it can be seen as a form of wisdom. In these situations, fear is not necessarily a negative emotion but rather a sign of sound judgment and a desire to make the right choice. In this way, wisdom can be seen as balancing the desire for action with the need to exercise caution and make thoughtful decisions.  

But there are also times when we trust in fear more than our faith. We may need help with that.  

How about those who have experienced mental unwellness or illness, PTSS, depression, schizophrenia, or codependency?  

Mental illness can interfere with a person’s ability to access and apply wisdom. Mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and delusions can distort a person’s perception of reality and make it difficult for them to make sound decisions. Additionally, some mental health conditions can interfere with a person’s ability to process information, reason logically, and engage in introspection and self-reflection – all of which are essential components of wisdom.  

In these cases, the person needs to seek help from a mental health professional. With proper treatment, many people can manage their symptoms and regain the ability to make informed and wise decisions. This can involve a combination of medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes, and the specific course of treatment will depend on the individual’s unique needs and circumstances.  

The church-at-large has a lot of codependency, and one of my missions is to bring people to the other side. So…  

Can codependence interfere with wisdom and understanding?  

Yes, codependency can interfere with wisdom and understanding. Codependency is a pattern of behavior where a person sacrifices their well-being and personal needs to take care of or control someone else. This can lead to a distorted view of reality and an unhealthy preoccupation with the needs and feelings of others at the expense of one’s own needs and goals.  

When codependent, someone may have difficulty setting boundaries, making decisions, and recognizing their needs and feelings. This can result in a lack of self-awareness and self-understanding and make it difficult for the person to engage in the introspection and self-reflection necessary for developing wisdom. Additionally, codependency can also interfere with a person’s ability to understand and learn from their own experiences, as they may be more focused on pleasing others and trying to control the outcomes of their relationships.  

And then there are times when we must deal with self. As I heard early on in my, “his majesty, King Baby.” What happens when what I want overcomes wisdom?  

When what you want overcomes wisdom, you may make impulsive, short-sighted, or selfish decisions that are not in your best interests or those of others. This can be driven by emotions like desire, anger, fear, or frustration and can cause you to act in ways that are contrary to your values or goals.  

In these situations, it is crucial to take a step back and reflect on the situation before making a decision. This can involve considering the potential consequences of your actions, seeking the advice of trusted friends or family members, or engaging in mindfulness practices to help you stay calm and focused. By taking the time to pause and reflect, you can increase your chances of making a wise and informed decision that aligns with your values and goals.  

And so, we now arrive at issues of trust. Do I trust me, God, as I understand Him or Her, or others? And what can I do about that? We are now almost full circle here. Am I willing to ask for other’s wisdom when faced with difficult choices?  

Asking for the wisdom of others can be a helpful strategy when faced with difficult choices. By seeking the advice and perspectives of others, you can gain new insights and ideas that you may have yet to consider on your own. This can be especially valuable when making complex decisions or facing challenging situations, as it allows you to draw on the knowledge and experience of others to inform your decision-making process.  

(I often do for others what I call “placing the options on the table.” Not one to manipulate or coerce, it is essential that people decide on their choices and, ultimately, their journey.)  

There are several ways to tap into the wisdom of others, including seeking the advice of trusted friends and family members, consulting experts in relevant fields, or participating in group discussions or decision-making processes. When seeking advice, it is important to be open-minded and willing to consider a range of perspectives, even if they differ from yours. (I call this a “circle of conscience.”)  

It is also important to remember that, ultimately, the decision is yours to make and that you should use the advice of others as a tool to inform your own decision-making rather than simply relying on others to decide for you. By drawing on the wisdom of others, you can increase your chances of making a well-informed and wise choice that aligns with your values and goals. 

Clouds over Lake George

And what is the result of wisdom in my life, and will it bring peace?  

Yes, wisdom can bring peace. Wisdom involves having a deep understanding of the world, of oneself, and one’s place in the world, and it is often associated with a sense of calm and serenity. By making informed and thoughtful decisions and approaching life’s challenges with insight and compassion, wise people can navigate life’s difficulties with greater ease and resilience.  

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. (Other people.)  

The courage to change the things I can. (ME!)  

And the wisdom to know the difference.  

Additionally, wisdom can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and fear, as it provides a sense of perspective and allows individuals to see the big picture and understand the interconnectedness of things. Wisdom can also help individuals to make peace with difficult experiences and to find meaning and purpose in their lives, which can contribute to a greater sense of inner peace and well-being.  

Overall, wisdom is often seen as an important component of a fulfilling and peaceful life and is valued by many cultures and traditions as a key to living a virtuous and meaningful existence.  

And one of the most often asked questions.   

How do I gain wisdom?  

Here are some ways to gain wisdom:  

Life experience: Wisdom often comes from personal experiences and the lessons learned from them.  

Learning and education: Reading books, taking courses, and seeking out new knowledge can broaden your understanding of the world and help you develop wisdom.  

Reflection and introspection: Taking the time to reflect on your experiences, thoughts, and feelings can help you gain insight into yourself and others.  

Seek advice from others: Seeking the advice of trusted individuals, such as friends, family, or mentors, can give you new perspectives and help you make informed decisions.  

Practice empathy and compassion: Understanding the perspectives and experiences of others can help you gain wisdom about the world and your place in it.  

Embrace change and uncertainty: Being open to new experiences and embracing change can help you grow and gain wisdom.  

Cultivate humility: Recognizing your limitations and being open to feedback can help you gain wisdom by seeing things from different perspectives.  

Gaining wisdom is a lifelong process that involves a combination of learning, experience, and reflection. By embracing new experiences and being open to feedback and change, you can continue to grow, gain insight, and live a wiser, more fulfilling life.  

Faith is all you need

And if I want to gain Godly wisdom?  

James 1:5  

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.  

Here are some ways to gain godly wisdom:  

Read and study scripture: Reading and studying the Bible and other religious texts can help you gain a deeper understanding of God’s wisdom and guidance.  

Pray and meditate: Spending time in quiet reflection and prayer can help you connect with God and receive guidance and wisdom.  

Seek the counsel of spiritual leaders: Talking to religious leaders, such as priests, pastors, or spiritual advisors, can provide you with insight and wisdom.  

Attend religious services: Attending religious services, such as church or synagogue, can help you connect with others who share your faith and learn from their experiences.  

Practice self-discipline: Discipline and self-control can help you cultivate wisdom and better understand your relationship with God.  

Live a virtuous life: Living a virtuous life, following God’s commandments and principles, can help you gain wisdom and deepen your relationship with God.  

Serve others: Volunteering, helping others, and living a life of service can help you gain wisdom and a deeper understanding of God’s love and compassion.  

By following these practices, you can deepen your relationship with God, cultivate wisdom, and live a life guided by faith and spiritual understanding.  

How would one know it is Godly wisdom?  

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.  

Read that carefully. It will not leave you conflicted or absent of peace. You will recognize the love of God. 

Lee on Lake Drive in Lake George

Lee Johndrow is the senior leader of Abundant Grace Fellowship Church in Keene, NH. He found this season of his life in August of 1989. You can find more of his writing on faith here.

Links to other pages…

• I Could Do That! Let’s Hear You Stand Up And Shout
• Thinking ahead
• PN4U INC. Your Donation Page & Our Nonprofit
• What Is Positive News And What Are Common Factors?

How you can help?

• We are always on the lookout for sponsors and advertisers for this PAGE.
• Send us great positive stories, videos, and photos. (Go to the SUBMIT button at the top.)
• And you can make a donation to our 501(c)3 and write in LEE in the checkout. We put a percentage towards our local homeless shelter. The balance helps with other lifestyle-related events and content.
• Or you can buy our merchandise.
• We are looking for writers for all things “local”! Think Roving Reporters and Town Criers!