Yet we do speak wisdom among those spiritually mature [...]; but [it is a higher] wisdom not [the wisdom] of this present age nor of the rulers and leaders of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the wisdom once hidden [from man, but now revealed to us by God] which God predestined before the ages to our glory [to lift us into the glory of His presence]. - 1. Cor. 2, 6-7
'Philosophy and Management' - that's the name of the study programme in which I will complete my Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in autumn this year. The combination of philosophy (meaning 'love of wisdom') and management is trendy – many people say that modern management and leadership need more philosophical body of thought. And it's actually fun. I like the way philosophers think, argue and ask questions, in particular the "What is...?", "What do you mean by...?" and "Why...?" type of questions. We also enjoy the philosophical debates about various leadership topics.
However, sometimes it feels like the philosophical writings we're reading, the questions we're asking, the answers we're looking for, are somehow meaningless, almost 'insignificant'. These philosophical outpourings, do they really provide valuable guidance for managers and leaders? Are they genuine wisdom? Sometimes I wish we would be looking at some Bible verses instead in order to understand what wisdom really is. For example, 'The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.' - Proverbs 4,7. (Philosophers could probably talk this over for weeks...) What else does the Bible say about wisdom?
I will destroy the wisdom of the wise [the philosophy of the philosophers],
And the cleverness of the clever [who do not know Me] I will nullify.
- 1. Cor. 1, 19
Clear words. It's important to understand that God doesn't talk against wisdom here. In fact, God and "Lady" Wisdom are partners. Wisdom was created by God in the very beginning of His way; and when God created the world, Wisdom was beside Him, as a 'master craftsman', and was 'daily His delight' (see Proverbs, chapter 8). True wisdom is godly wisdom. Looking at Proverbs 4,7 again, and adding some explanation, it reads: 'The beginning of wisdom is: Get [skillful and godly] wisdom [it is preeminent]! And with all your acquiring, get understanding [actively seek spiritual discernment, mature comprehension, and logical interpretation]' (AMP). There it is – we strive for godly wisdom, and with this preeminent treasure, we seek insight and understanding.
How can we do this? How do we strive for godly wisdom? I've heard that the Hebrew word for wisdom can be translated with 'a heart that hears'. That's what Solomon, the fabulously wise and wealthy king of Israel, wanted. He didn't request wisdom; he asked: 'So give Your servant an understanding mind and a hearing heart [...]' - 1 Kings 3,9. I think that's the key: If we ask the Father questions like "What are your thoughts about (me / a problem / a person etc.)?", or "What do you want to tell me today?", He will answer, show what He has hidden for us, uncover his mysteries. He will help us to grow in Integrity (displaying God's character), Creativity, and Excellence which, according to Bill Johnson, is how the nature of wisdom can be recognized. Obviously, this is not just relevant for management, but for our whole life.
Prompt: How do you involve God in your daily life? Which questions do you ask Him?
