Discover wisdom and discernment for your business
When was the last time you sought business wisdom and discernment from the Bible?
In Proverbs 1, Solomon outlines the vision for Proverbs and the need for wisdom:
“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for gaining wisdom and instruction; for understanding words of insight; for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young—let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but foolsdespise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:1-7).
What is wisdom? The quality of having experience, knowledge and good judgment; the quality of being wise.
Here are a few synonyms for wisdom: sagacity, intelligence, sense, common sense, shrewdness, astuteness, smartness, judiciousness, judgment, prudence, circumspection.
What are the best ways to acquire wisdom? Biblical advice suggests two ways: consistently reading and studying the Word and praying for wisdom. Ask yourself these two questions as you consider decision-making for your business.
• When did you last seek God’s wisdom regarding an aspect of your business or leadership?
• How often could you or perhaps should you, seek God’s wisdom in your work life? In what ways?
Besides growing in wisdom through biblical values or advice, learning from everyday experiences can also be key. As you debrief why problems occur and then change processes and procedures, you’re creating wisdom-building moments in your business. You may even recognize how differently your staff responds because of your growth in wisdom as a leader.
The wisest people I knew in a workplace were often the ones who asked the best questions. They would sit quietly in a meeting, often not saying much, listening intently and then ask a question that would shift our focus.
Now, what about discernment? This is the ability to judge well, to know truth from error and the ability to think biblically
Here are a few synonyms for discernment:insight, perception, perceptiveness, perceptivity, sagaciousness, sagacity, sageness, sapience, wisdom.
It seems as though discernment comes from wisdom. If you don’t know truth, then how will you see what is not truth? Without a biblical worldview, decisions may be made in a vacuum and apart from biblical wisdom and discernment.
Consider making Proverbs a regular point of study as you make decisions through biblical wisdom and discernment, and seek to grow those leaders around you through these same tools.
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