“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
By default, that numbering would need to be a countdown, ending at zero, at death. For us, that is an estimation at best and can only be based on variables that we have little control over.
The point of the first part of that verse is this, realize there is a finite time allotted to you, the second part of it tells us what to do with that time, apply ourselves to wisdom.
There are, as far as I can determine, only two types of wisdom; that which the Almighty decides to bless us with, and that of the world, and unless you have received in part that wisdom from the Lord, you will never see what the wisdom of the world truly is, foolishness.
“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.” (1st Cor. 3:19)
Paul through the Holy Spirit informs us not to be wise in the ways of this world, and we all agree with him, we are not to strive to learn how to be wise in this way, but we are to be wise, knowledgeable, about it. Without that wisdom we would not be aware of the wiles of our adversary, we would be led away as those silly women spoken of. And Proverbs 21:12a would not be a truth to us.
“The righteous man wisely considereth the house of the wicked:”
I realize I bring this up quite often, but I believe it needs repeating here again.
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)
And along with that request, that prayer, the truth of Ecclesiastes 1:18 must be realized.
“For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.”
Why would grief and sorrow enter into our lives and take up residency there when we pray for the wisdom that only the Almighty can give us? Because with it comes the wisdom of the ways of this world, of the evil that perpetuates it, of the knowledge of self-seeking individuals who are in open rebellion against the will and Word of the Most High, revealing to us the epitome of foolishness.
Earnestly applying yourself to wisdom will bring with it much grief and in that knowledge much sorrow. But I bring this truth before you as well. If you want to be Christ-like, you must pray for wisdom.
“He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (Isaiah 53:3)
And what is the foundation, the cornerstone of all wisdom?
“But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” (1st Cor. 1:24)
Remember those words. “Teach us to apply ourselves.”
Diligent studying, seeking the face of God Himself, contemplating His words, His promises and truths. Praying without ceasing to be used for His glory. Those two words are the foundation stone, so to speak, “apply yourself.” That means effort on your part, it means a desire to continue, through the grief, through the sorrow.
I firmly believe that only those who do so can fully comprehend the truth of Matthew 5:6 as well, because to thirst and hunger for righteousness, one must be able to see and comprehend unrighteousness.
“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”
The face of God must be sought in wisdom and truth, we can only serve the Lord Jesus Christ in love through wisdom of Him, the Holy Spirit only speaks wisdom and truth to us.
“Wisdom crieth without; she uttereth her voice in the streets:” (Prov. 1:20)
I have never experienced such internal levels of difficulty in my life until I began to pray for wisdom from the Lord, I never really knew what grief and sorrow meant before. And to be truthful, real righteous indignation and anger.
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Prov. 4:7)
And I still pray for more of it, almost every single day.
