The Wisdom of God Solves Problems -- Trusting God in Hard Times Trusting God in Hard Times is Easy When

Believers Get Wisdom The simple definition of wisdom is the application of knowledge. Wisdom is gener ally understood as the capacity to correctly apply knowledge acquired through li fe's experiences. People usually think older people are wise. Not necessarily so . They are only wise to the degree that they have learned to rightly apply knowl edge in various areas of life. The so-called scientific method is essentially tr ial and error, and often repeated errors. Most people stumble through life and l earn by this method. But there is a better way. When it comes to the Bible, wisdom is correctly applying the knowledge of God's Word. The book of Proverbs is a treasure chest of wisdom. Often people's problem s are due to a lack of wisdom. Trusting God in hard times becomes uncomplicated and more manageable when one realizes that the best way to solve a problem is to get wisdom. The New Century Version translates Ecclesiastes 10:10, A dull ax mea ns harder work. Being wise will make it easier. Seems obvious enough. Wisdom is t o sharpen the axe so that the work can be completed faster and with less effort. This truth extends into the use of ones talents and abilities in life. To get b etter results, sharpen the axe. To sharpen the axe, get wisdom. Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth. Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your get ting, get understanding. (Proverbs 4:5,7,8) Proverbs chapter 8 personifies wisdom. I love those who love me, and those who se ek me diligently will find me. Riches and honor are with me, enduring riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, and my revenu e than choice silver. I traverse the way of righteousness, In the midst of the p aths of justice, that I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, that I ma y fill their treasuries. (8:17-20,21) Wisdom has value above currency or any precious metals or stones. Those who love wisdom and diligently seek wisdom can learn the principles of what it takes to acquire and accumulate wealth. Money is not evil in itself, only when someone lo ves money more than God does money become evil. God's Word guarantees that true godly wisdom can lead on to prosperity. Proverbs 10:21 says, Fools die for lack of wisdom, and 12:15 warns the one who tri es to circumvent wisdom with shortcuts. The way of a fool is right in his own eye s, but he who heeds counsel is wise. Seeking good advice and guidance takes humil ity, but it is a wise and safe move, for young people especially, but also for a nyone of any age who lacks knowledge and experience. He who walks with wise men w ill be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed. Plans are established by counsel, and without counsel, plans go sour. In a multitude of counselors the re is safety. (13:20; 20:18, 15:22; 24:6) All of these admonitions can save time , money, and even lives. Just as evil associations corrupt good morals, as 1 Cor inthians 15:33 teaches, so bad advice can ruin someone's life and cause a setbac k that may be irreversible. Wisdom is critical, not only in hard times, but all the time. In the New Testament, James 1:5 encourages seeking wisdom. If any of you lacks wi sdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and i t will be given to him. The first place to seek wisdom is in God's Word, then wit h proven leadership within the church, such as one's pastor or elders. Other sol id and savvy successful business people within the church family can offer tried and tested wisdom. Once one has received wisdom, do not let go; keep