We must always be wise

Acts 16,17

James writes in chapter 1 verse 5, if we lack wisdom we can ask and God will generously give it to us. Wisdom tells us when to keep quiet and when to speak. Wisdom teaches us respect for others and grants us the respect of others. Wisdom keeps us from heartache and foolishness. Someone once said, “God has given us two ears and one mouth so we might listen twice as much and speak half as much,” that is part of wisdom.

In Chapters 16 and 17 Paul exercises great restraint and wisdom in three very important situations. The first two took place in the Philippian jail. Due to their praise and worship, their focus on God and His plan and not their circumstances, God literally shook the house. When the doors flew open Paul and Silas could have escaped but God had a better plan. God gave Paul and Silas wisdom to accomplish two major events. They stayed in the jail, that doesn’t sound like wisdom but what was the result? The jailer and his entire household, wife, children, parents, and slaves all came to know Christ.

The second bit of wisdom was in not leaving the jail when asked to quietly leave. It seems almost arrogant of Paul to demand the apology but look at what was done. Fear and respect came from the city leaders for the church. Paul and Silas took the time to go to Lydia’s house to show the city leaders that all of those in this house are family, so you must respect them as well. By staying in the jail, he ended up guaranteeing the protection of the fledgling church in Philippi.

His next part of wisdom came in the way he was able to use the beliefs of the Athenians. When we see people caught in all kinds of things, from the goofy to the Satanic, it is easy for us to get upset and immediately begin to condemn their behavior. Worshiping false gods violates the Ten Commandments and is worthy of death both physically and spiritually according to the law. Paul was one of the finest lawyers of his day; he could have easily preached condemnation to the people. Instead, he found a way to take their situation and explain the Gospel. That is truly the gift of wisdom in action. God never calls us to “freak out”, worry, become anxious, or fearful, but how often do we when we find out something our children have done or come across someone totally foreign in lifestyle to us? Wisdom can bring the people to us rather than pushing them away.

So what is this wisdom Paul used? Simply not reacting to any situation but waiting, praying, listening, then doing what God told him to do. The challenge is…most of us are reactionary by nature. God calls us to be people of love, joy, and peace walking in love and living a life guided by wisdom.

You will be challenged today or if not today, tomorrow. Will you react or will you wait, pray, listen, and then do what God tells you to do. Each use of wisdom advanced God’s kingdom and Paul’s faith. It will do the same for you.

Tomorrow Acts 18, 19