Wisdom: More Than Street Smarts

Let’s take a stroll through this big idea called wisdom. It’s not just knowing how to avoid stepping in gum on the sidewalk (though that’s useful). Wisdom, especially from a biblical perspective, is about aligning your decisions with something bigger, something eternal. Let’s dig into what makes wisdom the cornerstone of effective leadership—and why being the “Lone Ranger” might work in old Westerns but not in real life.

Solomon: The Poster Child for Wisdom (And Questionable Life Choices)

King Solomon, son of David and Bathsheba, started his reign with the kind of humility most of us could only dream of. When God gave him a golden ticket—“Ask for whatever you want”—Solomon didn’t go for power, wealth, or vengeance against his enemies. Instead, he said (paraphrased): “I’m just a kid trying to run a whole nation. Give me wisdom to do it right.”

God loved that answer. Not only did He give Solomon unparalleled wisdom, but He threw in the wealth and fame for good measure. You can find the whole story in:

“So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, to discern between good and evil. For who is capable of judging this great people of Yours?”

1 Kings 3:9 (NASB)

It’s worth noting that Solomon’s wisdom didn’t stop him from making some wild choices later in life. Seven hundred wives and 300 concubines? A bit much. But his early reign showed what happens when wisdom is at the center of leadership.

Proverbs 11:14: Counselors and Crashes

“Where there is no guidance, the people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is victory.”

Proverbs 11:14 (NASB)

This nugget of wisdom highlights a truth that’s as relevant today as it was in Solomon’s day: wise leaders don’t try to figure it all out on their own. They surround themselves with smart people and listen.

The King James Version (KJV) words it slightly differently:

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”

Proverbs 11:14 (KJV)

The essence remains: leaders who reject guidance often lead their teams—or nations—into disaster. Case studies abound, from ancient kings to modern CEOs, of what happens when hubris takes the wheel. Spoiler: it’s not victory.

Wisdom vs. Instinct: A Battle for Leadership

Instinct has its place, but instinct without wisdom is like trying to drive a car blindfolded. Here’s why:

• Instinct leans on gut feelings.
• Wisdom asks, “What do history, experience, and others have to say?”
• Instinct reacts.
• Wisdom reflects, deliberates, and then acts.
• Instinct avoids critique.
• Wisdom welcomes feedback and correction.

Proverbs 3:7 reminds us not to be “wise in your own eyes.” That’s the biblical equivalent of saying, “Don’t think you’re the smartest person in the room—because you’re not.”

Examples of Wisdom in Leadership

Moses: When leading Israel in the wilderness, Moses was overwhelmed by the weight of leadership. His father-in-law, Jethro, told him to delegate responsibilities to capable men (Exodus 18:13–26). Moses listened, and things ran more smoothly.

Nehemiah: Faced with rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls amidst opposition, Nehemiah prayed for wisdom and organized the work strategically. He also listened to his people’s grievances (Nehemiah 5), showing that wisdom includes empathy.

When Leaders Go Full Lone Ranger

The Bible also gives us cautionary tales:

Rehoboam (Solomon’s Son): Rehoboam ignored the advice of older, wiser counselors and listened to his peers instead (1 Kings 12). His decision split the kingdom of Israel. Moral of the story: don’t reject wisdom just because it sounds less exciting.

Pharaoh: Pharaoh’s hard heart and refusal to heed Moses’ warnings brought plagues and destruction on Egypt. Pride often makes wisdom impossible.

The Anatomy of Wisdom: What It Looks Like in Practice

Biblical wisdom isn’t about being the smartest person in the room; it’s about aligning with God’s design for life. Here’s how it manifests:

Humility: Wisdom begins with recognizing you don’t know it all. Proverbs 9:10 nails it:

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Proverbs 9:10 (NASB)

Counsel: Wisdom seeks advice. It values perspectives from others, as Proverbs 15:22 reminds us:

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”

Proverbs 15:22 (NASB)

Discernment: Wisdom doesn’t just know what’s right—it knows when and how to act. Ecclesiastes 8:5b says:

“The wise heart knows the proper time and procedure.”

Ecclesiastes 8:5b (NASB)

Practical Takeaways

So, how do you lead with wisdom instead of gut instincts?

• • Build your “counselor circle.” Whether it’s mentors, colleagues, or friends, surround yourself with people who aren’t afraid to tell you the hard truths.
  • Seek divine guidance. Prayer isn’t just a Sunday thing—it’s your compass for daily decisions.
  • Embrace correction. Proverbs 12:1 puts it bluntly:

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.”

Proverbs 12:1 (NASB)

• Be patient. Wisdom often requires waiting, reflecting, and acting at the right moment—not in the heat of emotion.

Final Thought: Wisdom is a Compass, Not a Badge

Leadership without wisdom? That’s like trying to captain a ship with no map and no idea where the rocks are. Wisdom, on the other hand, doesn’t just help you avoid disaster—it helps you navigate toward success. Whether you’re leading a nation, a company, or your family, wisdom is your most valuable asset. Don’t leave home without it.