"The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide."
When we read this passage, natural questions arise: What is wisdom, and how do we get it? What does justice really look like? How does having the law of God in our hearts actually keep our feet from slipping?
As I sought these answers, God brought me on a much deeper journey than I expected.
Seeking True Wisdom
The first thing I looked at was wisdom. Scripture points us directly to the source: "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10).
True wisdom and knowledge aren’t just about memorizing facts; they are born from a deep, reverential respect for God and an intimate knowledge of His character. In Philippians 3:10, Paul uses the Greek word gnōnai—to know through personal experience. This reminds us that relationship is far more valuable than intellectual credentials.
Understanding the "Fear of the LORD"
We often feel discomfort when we hear about the "fear of the LORD," usually because we mistake it for terror. But when we truly experience how holy, vast, and loving God is, our response isn't dread. Instead, it is profound awe and a humble alignment with His authority.
When we experience God, we gain confidence in His good character. Submission to God builds a history with Him; through lived experience, we discover that He is stable, trustworthy, and inherently good. Because we know His character, we can ask Him for direction boldly without second-guessing His willingness to guide us.
Godly wisdom is the righteous application of knowledge. It is behavioral, marked by peace, gentleness, mercy, and humility—never selfish ambition (James 3:13-17).
How We Deepen Our Experience with God
How do we move from head knowledge to an experiential relationship with Him?
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Be willing to "taste and see": Don't wait to figure Him out perfectly before you start. Psalm 34:8 invites us to take active steps of faith—talking to God honestly in prayer or reading the Gospels with an open heart.
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Step out with an obedient heart: Jesus said in John 7:17, "If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know..." Surrendering our will is the doorway to understanding His.
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Make it a daily discipline: Prayerfully reading the Bible helps us learn His voice. It may not provide an intellectual answer for every moment, but it will grow us, lead us, and help us discern truth from a lie.
Wisdom and Justice in Action
Knowledge and faith are dead without action. Like faith, wisdom requires us to be "doers" of the Word, not just hearers (James 1:22, Matthew 7:24).
Biblical justice (mishpat) is action taken to correct a wrong. It is showing mercy, refusing to oppress, and actively lifting up the vulnerable (Zechariah 7:9-10). It requires radical generosity—viewing care for the needy not as optional charity, but as a mandatory expression of fairness and love.
Justice is inextricably linked to our personal relationship with God (Jeremiah 22:15-16). When God’s law anchors our hearts, wisdom and justice naturally shape our lives. Our relationship with Him secures our footing, ensuring our steps remain steady and true.
I’ve included scriptural references throughout this study. Please take the time to prayerfully read these. I believe they’ll be a huge help to deepen your understanding and walk with our awesome God!
