One day, early in our marriage, my husband looked at me in exasperation and said, “Don’t be so brutish!” “I’m not being brutish!” I snapped, followed by, “–what is brutish?” I’ve long since forgotten what we were arguing about, but I realized two things that day. One – I was being brutish. Two – brutish isn’t a good thing. The “brutish” my husband was referring to is in Proverbs 12:1 (KJV) “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” Brutish – foolish, stupid, senseless, dumb animal.
Yes, my husband called me a dumb animal. And, yes we are still married after 20-some years. I’m thankful for a man who loves me enough to not let me wallow in my sin. And, I’m thankful for a God who doesn’t leave me stuck in my senselessness.
The opposite of brutish would be wisdom. God says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5.
What is Wisdom?
Wisdom is more than knowledge. Wisdom applies knowledge so you know the best thing to do in the situation. You can read all the books in the world about skydiving, but until you jump out of the airplane you won’t have applied that knowledge.
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17
“Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.” Prov 29:11
How Do You Get Wisdom?
Wisdom comes first by asking God and then reading your Bible and allowing it to change your life. Fear of God is a reverence or respect. It is taking the truths of Scripture and not just hearing them but choosing to obey and be changed by them.
“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Prov. 2:6
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Prov 9:10
Why Get Wisdom?
Wisdom helps you will live at peace with God, those around you and yourself.
“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.” Prov 4:6-7
“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding,” Prov 3:13
I love your story! I AM NOT X… hey, wait! What’s X? Sounds like something I’d say. You are indeed blessed! I think of the verse that mentions the faithful wounds of a friend (Proverbs 27:6). We can’t get wisdom if we’re not ever called to the carpet and coached. I often ask God to give me truth in situations or to give me the perspective of my “enemy.” This is a great post.
It’s humbling for sure- but I’d rather know I’m walking around with toilet paper stuck to my shoe than to be in ignorant bliss while everyone else seems my flaws and I have no chance to correct them.
W is for wise
I love your story! I AM NOT X… hey, wait! What’s X? Sounds like something I’d say. You are indeed blessed! I think of the verse that mentions the faithful wounds of a friend (Proverbs 27:6). We can’t get wisdom if we’re not ever called to the carpet and coached. I often ask God to give me truth in situations or to give me the perspective of my “enemy.” This is a great post.
It’s humbling for sure- but I’d rather know I’m walking around with toilet paper stuck to my shoe than to be in ignorant bliss while everyone else seems my flaws and I have no chance to correct them.