What other biblical examples highlight the value of wisdom in decision-making? Wisdom at Abel: A Snapshot “Then she said, ‘In the past they used to say, ‘Seek counsel in Abel,’ and that is how they settled disputes.’” (2 Samuel 20:18) • A single city had a reputation for sound counsel, so armies paused to listen. • One wise woman’s decisive words spared lives and preserved a community. • The episode underlines a timeless truth: seeking godly wisdom before acting averts unnecessary loss. Joseph: Wisdom That Preserved Life “Let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man… God has revealed all this to you; there is no one as discerning and wise as you.” • Joseph interprets dreams, discerns God’s warning, and designs a 14-year food strategy. • His plan shields Egypt and surrounding nations—including his own family—from famine. • Wisdom here is practical, forward-looking, and life-saving. Jethro and Moses: Wisdom That Lightened the Load “What you are doing is not good… Select capable men who fear God… they will bear the burden with you.” • Jethro identifies burnout in Moses’ one-man court system. • Delegation of minor cases frees Moses for higher matters and strengthens the nation. • Wise counsel protects both leader and people. Solomon: Wisdom Sought and Granted 1 Kings 3:9, 12; 3:28 “Give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people…” “I will give you a wise and discerning heart…” “All Israel heard of the judgment… they feared the king, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him.” • Solomon humbly asks for wisdom before riches or power. • God honors the request, and the celebrated infant-custody verdict follows immediately. • The account links wisdom with justice, order, and national respect. Daniel: Wisdom in Captivity Daniel 1:17; 2:19, 47 “To these four young men God gave knowledge and skill in all kinds of literature and wisdom…” “The mystery was revealed to Daniel in a night vision…” “The king said… ‘Surely your God is God of gods… for you were able to reveal this mystery.’” • Faithfulness in small dietary choices leads to God-given insight for enormous political crises. • Daniel’s wisdom protects the lives of Babylon’s sages and elevates God’s name before pagan rulers. • Wisdom functions as both a survival tool and a testimony. Early Church: Wisdom in Community “Select from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom…” • A looming division over food distribution is solved by Spirit-guided administrative wisdom. • Apostles stay devoted to prayer and the word; the church keeps growing. • Wise structure nurtures both unity and mission momentum. When Wisdom Is Ignored: Warnings • Joshua 9:14—“The men of Israel sampled their provisions, but did not seek the counsel of the LORD.” Result: an unwanted treaty with Gibeon. • 1 Kings 12:8—Rehoboam “forsook the counsel of the elders” and split the kingdom. Absence of counsel leads to long-term damage, underscoring the value of heeding it. Key Threads That Tie These Stories Together • Wisdom begins with reverence for God (Proverbs 9:10) and often arrives through prayer, revelation, or godly advisers. • Wise decisions protect life, strengthen leaders, foster unity, and further God’s purposes. • Scripture’s consistent pattern—from Abel to Acts—calls believers to pause, seek counsel, and let divine wisdom steer every choice. |
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