Which way do you turn for wisdom?

Catherine Gates Feb. 13, 2023

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After attending a "Wisdom" personal growth event in New York City in 2006, I was walking with a friend discussing what we heard that evening. My friend commented, "I wish there was an instruction manual for life." To which I replied, "Actually, there is. It's called the Bible."

When I consider where I was in my faith walk at that time, I marvel that those words came out of my mouth. God was showing me how much I needed His Word in my life, but I was a long way off from making it my instruction manual for life. Clearly, the Holy Spirit was working on me although it would be a few years before I took the leap into becoming comfortable with embracing all of God's Word as wisdom for life.

Most of us have strategies and resources we turn to when we don't know what to do. Depending on the situation, you may turn to a trusted friend, your own experiences, or maybe you turn to Google for an article written by an "expert." There's nothing wrong with these resources. The problem is they are very limited in their understanding of what you are facing, what's best for you in the situation and what will lead to the best long-term results not only for your life, but for your soul.

Then there's God—the only One who knew you before you were formed in your mother's womb, the One who knows what you need before you ask, and the One who has your future in His hands (Psalm 139:13-16; Ephesians 2:10). God created you on purpose for a purpose. And God gave us His Word so that we can access His Wisdom for every area of life.

Here are a few examples from the Book of Proverbs alone for how we are to approach our work, deal with problems, treat other people, and make our plans:

• "Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;" ―Proverbs 2:9-10
• "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." ―Proverbs 3:5-6
• "A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." ―Proverbs 15:1
• "Whoever covers an offense seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends." ―Proverbs 17:9
• "Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." ―Proverbs 16:3

I thank God that He has led me to develop a deep love for Scripture. Over the last 15 years, I've come to know and experience that God's Word is actually so much more than an instruction manual—Scripture has the power to transform our lives (Romans 12:2). I completely understand why people find it difficult—I did as well. And now that God's Word is a huge part of my life, I want to help others tap into resources that will help them experience the incredible power God's Word has for living the abundant life Jesus promised us (John 10:10).

Shared with permission from Women in the Marketplace, a nonprofit marketplace ministry, womeninmarketplace.net.

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Catherine Gates is a speaker, author and writer. She is Executive Director for Women in the Marketplace, a national non-profit that equips working women to confidently pursue their faith and career for the glory of God. She is the author of The Confidence Cornerstone: A Woman’s Guide to Fearless Leadership. Catherine has contributed to several workplace Bible studies and written over a dozen YouVersion reading plans. She is on the board of Ladies of Grace, a women’s prison ministry. Her passion is to help women reach their full God-given potential. Learn More »

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