It is said that kings (you and I) reign or govern through wisdom. But in reality, what is wisdom? Wisdom is a person’s ability to solve complex problems, both their own and those of their surroundings and the world. It is also the ability to put into practice the knowledge we have acquired through our elders, our readings, our experiences, and our studies.

A wise person is someone who develops strength, discernment, and influence by consistently walking on the right paths of wisdom. For wisdom is more precious than pearls and valuable objects. As it says in the Book of Proverbs, “In her right hand is a long life; and in her left, riches and honor.”

An anecdote that I particularly appreciate illustrates this point well. It is the story of the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. Having heard about Solomon’s great wisdom, the Queen came to meet him to test him with riddles (difficult questions). But she was surprised and impressed by Solomon’s wise words and the prosperity he enjoyed (as well as the quality of the table service, the excellence of the servants, and their way of honoring God).

She didn’t stop there—she gave gifts to Solomon, envied his entourage (who daily benefited from his wisdom), and glorified the name of Solomon’s God. I share this anecdote to highlight the importance of growing in wisdom so that our impact becomes sharper in our spheres of influence.

It is said that skillful and godly wisdom helps build a house (that is, a life, a home, a family) and that understanding and intelligence are necessary to establish it on a solid foundation. Even a head of state needs wisdom to lead his people and promote the development of his nation, though the level of wisdom may vary from leader to leader, as evidenced by their decisions and results. God Himself created the Earth with wisdom, as seen in its arrangement.

Therefore, we must acquire wisdom, for it is better than an inheritance. To do this, we should read the books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. Moreover, Ecclesiastes also points out that wealth offers protection equivalent to that of money, and even more, as it gives life to those who possess it. In the past, I lacked wisdom in managing certain priorities in my life, which had negative consequences for me and my family.

Since then, I have decided to grow in wisdom and I regularly practice three essential things to expose myself to the grace of wisdom: I listen to the instruction of the wise (through seminars, teachings, books), I read the book of Proverbs, and I exercise my ability to solve the problems of others (and my own) by applying what I have learned.

Indeed, a blind person cannot guide another blind person, and it is difficult for them to guide someone who seems to already see. To build our lives, we must intentionally see ourselves as wise and decide to grow in wisdom.

We must also practice all the knowledge we have acquired through our elders, our readings, our experiences, and our studies. This will strengthen our ability to solve difficult problems and attract opportunities and privileged access to us.

A biblical metaphor exhorts us to be “as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves.” This highlights the need to show prudence, insight to develop a deep understanding of reality, intelligence and discernment in decision-making, avoiding potential traps, and navigating the complexities of life with ingenuity.

Here are tangible cases in which applying skillful wisdom can help us travel through life’s seasons more enlightened:

• Effective communication. Imagine the impact you will have on your surroundings if you understand their concerns and respond to them in a relevant and inspiring way.
• Insightful actions. Suppose you are considering changing jobs. It is far better to identify opportunities and plan your transition while anticipating challenges.
• Priority management. If you have responsibilities in three areas of your life, you need skillful wisdom to avoid spreading yourself too thin and to prioritize your tasks, separating the essential from the secondary.
• Informed decision-making. Think of a portfolio manager working in an ever-changing market who diversifies investments to reduce financial risk. They must balance the desire for high returns with the need to protect their clients’ assets. To do this, they must identify subtle trends to minimize risks and prepare for various scenarios.
• Problem-solving. If you are faced with a conflict, it is better to approach the situation tactfully. Consider various perspectives to find balanced solutions.
• Patience. Warren Buffett, one of the greatest investors of all time, is known for his patience. He waits for the right moment to invest instead of giving in to market frenzy.

This text is an excerpt from the book DESTINED TO SHINE written by Nadia KPONDJO.

We invite you to read the following article: A LASTING LIFE DISCIPLINE.