I’ve been reading much about wisdom these days. It’s mentioned about 45 times (depending on the version) in the book of Proverbs alone.
Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.When God sends a message that clearly, I sit up and take note. “What now, Lord?” I ponder. “How can I apply wisdom to my ministry?” (That ministry being a loving wife to my husband, a leader of four children and keeper of our home).
~ Proverbs 4:5-7, NIV
Looking to the Greek translation for clarification on wisdom, we find “sophia,” which is why we see words like philosophy, a combination of “philo” (brotherly love) and “sofia.” The shortened version of the word (wise) can be found in sophisticated and sophomore. Ever wonder why some teeth are called “wisdom teeth?” It’s because we get them at the onset of maturity.
Dictionary.com defines wisdom this way: Knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action; sagacity [level headedness], discernment, or insight.
Throughout scripture, wisdom and understanding are found hand in hand. Wisdom is the fear of the Lord, while understanding is that wisdom in practice.
“How can I apply wisdom to my ministry, Lord?”
In silent reverence I wait until I feel His guidance lead through a whisper, “Seek me until My truth is living, moving, and breathing in your home; until the righteousness of my Word is coupled with each step you take; and until My wisdom exceeds your desire. That’s what you’re called to do.”
Looking to His word for example I find Abigail in 1 Samuel chapter 25. Abigail was the wife of Nabal, and while she was a woman of good understanding and beauty, the Bible describes him as churlish. In other words, he was rude, impolite, hot-headed and lacked the wisdom his wife had.
In verses 7 and 16 we see that David had protected Nabal’s shepherds and was now asking for a reasonable favor in return: that Nabal would give them provisions when they arrived.
Nabal was rich, and so it certainly wouldn’t have been any trouble for him to comply, but instead of being wise and generous, he chose to be rude, which only provoked David to fight.
Gathering an army of 400 men, David set out to destroy Nabal’s household, and had it not been for the wisdom of one woman he would have.
Recognizing that David was a servant of the Lord, Abigail sent a generous gift to David, and with that gift she humbled herself at his feet pleading for the life of her husband. She didn’t deny that Nabal was ill-mannered or rude, but she sought grace on his behalf.
In this beautiful love story, we see that David granted her that grace, and within ten days God took the life of Nabal, and rewarded Abigail with her freedom.
Where did that freedom lead her? Into the arms of David, a valiant soldier and soon-to-be king.
Through Abigail’s example, we see the cycle of wisdom in action:
- She realized that David was a holy man and what his God was capable of.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
- She avoided conflict.
“A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.” (Proverbs 14:16)
- She worked quietly to resolve the problem.
“A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” (Proverbs 29:11)
- She put her understanding into action and offered a gift to David.
“He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.” (Proverbs 10:5)
- She reaped the rewards that come to those who are wise, when she became David’s wife.
“The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.” (Proverbs 3:35)
You are loved by an almighty God,
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I love the story of Abigail! Whenever I feel like I have a rude, inconsiderate, not nice husband, I read Abigails story to remind me to continue to try and be a godly loving wife to himno matter what! I thank God for having this true story innHis word for me!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts Yasmin. Her beauty shines through in her wisdom and strength.
DeleteI have always loved the story of Abigail. What an example for the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteMe too--I love it!
DeleteAbigail has long been one of my favorite Bible characters! She is the picture of graciousness & graceFULness; of discernment and discretion; and as you mentioned - of wisdom. I don't know what she looked like, but I can say without a doubt that she was a truly beautiful woman!
ReplyDeleteThat's what I was just thinking, Elizabeth. Her beauty shines through her actions. You hit it right on the nail when you said, "She is the picture of graciousness & graceFULness; of discernment and discretion."
DeleteLove Abigail. Love that she was not controlled by her husbands foolishness. We are all responsible for our own behavior.
ReplyDeleteI love the story of Abigail. I am married to a Nabal-like man, and this story encourages me so much. It always reminds me that even though I may not be treated well, God has given me an example in Abigail of how to respond!
ReplyDeleteSo much in the Bible to lead us today. I love that! Praying that God will bless your efforts Michelle!
DeleteI pray for patience and wisdom in this madly fast running world. Abigail is such a great example for me! Quiet, wise, polite and trusting the Lord on every action she made.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this story! Abigail represents the quiet wisdom I'm praying to reach one day.
ReplyDeleteThank you for these wonderful words! I have been struggling with needing wisdom in several areas of my life and I love what you say here:
ReplyDelete“Seek me until My truth is living, moving, and breathing in your home; until the righteousness of my Word is coupled with each step you take; and until My wisdom exceeds your desire. That’s what you’re called to do.”
Seek Him... that's what I plan to do.
Thank you for the reminder about the importance of wisdom. I have always enjoyed this Bible story about Abigail. It has been a long time since I last read it and it seems to be heaven sent today.
DeleteOh, Darlene, how I want to be more like Abigail. Not only in the wisdom she portrayed, but in the love that propelled her to step out. The kind that moves beyond fear. The kind of love that produces the "right" results.
ReplyDeleteGinger
Darlene, Jill Eileen Smith has written an AMAZING series of Biblical Fiction called the wives of David. One of them focuses on Abigail...It is an awesome book, if you have time for a fun read :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the great reminder of Abigail! I love her story! She was a wise woman and did what was right, even when her husband did not. We can all learn from her.
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading through Proverbs and love the way you've tied it into the story of Abigail and Nabal. I have a friend who is married to a man like Nabal. I pray that she can respond in the wise ways you outlined above, Darlene. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteI was reading about Abigail recently myself. I was looking up "noble character" in Strong's dictionary (in relation to Proverbs 31). Noble character is hayil which means strength/wealth and it lead me to this: Abihail, which means my father has strength/wealth (noble character). It is two separate names, I realize, but sounded so similar. It was fitting because she was obviously a woman of noble character.
ReplyDelete