WISDOM TO DISCERN RIGHT FROM WRONG

“Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin” (James 4:17)

This scripture unveils a profound truth: when one knows the right course of action and chooses to neglect it, that inaction is deemed sinful. The significance lies not in the action itself but in the awareness and deliberate choice to ignore what is good. This underlines the crucial need for divine wisdom to navigate life’s complexities and to consistently choose righteousness.

Wisdom, in its divine essence, grants us the ability to discern right from wrong. It acts as a spiritual compass, guiding our decisions and actions. The Bible delineates three primary forms of wisdom, each encapsulated by distinct Greek terms: Sophia, Sunesis, and Phronesis.

Sophia represents theoretical wisdom, the divine insight into the fundamental nature of things. It is the understanding bestowed by God, enabling one to perceive reality from a higher perspective. Sunesis, on the other hand, denotes comprehension and perception. It involves the ability to grasp concepts quickly and to see the interconnections between them, facilitating a deeper understanding that precedes thoughtful action.

However, when we speak of wisdom as the ability to decide and discern right from wrong, we refer to Phronesis. This practical wisdom transcends mere understanding; it is a mindset and a driving force. Phronesis embodies the righteous disposition, a spiritual force that propels one to act in alignment with God’s will, often beyond conscious reasoning.

Phronesis operates as an innate programming, a spiritual elixir that aligns you with God’s will effortlessly. It places you in the right locations, prompts you to perform the right actions, and ensures that your thoughts, words, and deeds are perpetually righteous. It creates a default setting within you, where acting righteously becomes second nature, bypassing the need for deliberation.

If you possess Sophia—the knowledge of what is right—and fail to act on it, it signifies a deficiency in Phronesis. Phronesis serves as a catalyst, enabling you to perceive and act upon opportunities for righteousness that others might overlook. The beauty of this wisdom is that it can be cultivated through continuous and conscious meditation on God’s Word.

Through such meditative practice, Phronesis can be developed and strengthened, enhancing your ability to act rightly in every situation. This practical wisdom ensures that you live in a constant state of righteousness, aligned with God’s will, and equipped to discern and choose rightly amidst life’s complexities.

PRAYER

Dear Father, as I yield myself to the guidance of your Spirit, I function with an increased manifestation of practical wisdom—the mindset of the righteous. I’m programmed to think, talk, live, and act right, and walk consistently in the light of your Word, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Proverbs 3:13-18: Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

Colossians 1:9: For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Ephesians 5:15-17: See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.