The apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:15-16, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” When the Bible talks about our “walk”, it is referring to the way we live in our daily lives. And so, Paul here is telling us to live wisely, and not foolishly, because we don’t know how long we have on this earth.
Now, God’s Word has a lot to say about Godly wisdom and worldly wisdom, or wise wisdom vs. foolish wisdom. And we need to be very careful where we get our “wisdom” from! 1 Corinthians 3:19 tells us point blank about the foolish “worldly” wisdom, “For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.”
James compares unwise (worldly, foolish) wisdom with wise (Godly) wisdom in James 3:13-17, “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” Note, he calls the foolish wisdom of this world, “earthly (worldly), unspiritual (anti-God), and demonic! Not the kind of wisdom we should be seeking or following!
Paul wrote in Colossians 2:3, talking about Jesus Christ – “…in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” We can only find the true wisdom to walk wisely when we focus on Him. We can’t walk wisely when we seek wisdom and advice from the world, because their wisdom is all about me, myself, and I. Godly or “Wise” wisdom is ALL about God, His Word, His Will, His Plan, and HIS GLORY!
Walk WISELY!