A young man stands in a rich man’s house with a woman’s hand on his coat. Nobody is watching. The door is open. He has every reason to stay quiet and take what’s offered.
Joseph runs.
He leaves the coat behind and gets out of the house. Scripture says, “And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out” (Genesis 39:12). Joseph lost the coat, and then he lost his freedom, because a lie put him in prison. Yet the same chapter says, “The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man” (Genesis 39:2).
Years later Pharaoh looked at that same young man and said, “there is none so discreet and wise as thou art” (Genesis 41:39). Prison didn’t end Joseph. The wisdom he showed at the door set him up for the palace.
Wisdom is simply doing what God would do in a given situation. It isn’t a degree or a feeling, and it isn’t only for old people. It is a decision you make in the moment when nobody is clapping.
Wisdom is a person
God didn’t leave us to guess what He would do. “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30). Jesus is made unto us the Wisdom of God. He is the pattern.
Jesus lived by it. “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise” (John 5:19). He didn’t react to pressure. He looked at the Father first.
Even as a boy, “Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Wisdom grows. It is learned, and it is practised.
So whatever you face today, ask one question before you act: what would Jesus do here? Then do that.
Wisdom is the master key to prosperity
Solomon had a whole nation to rule and could have asked for anything. He said, “Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad” (1 Kings 3:9). God was so pleased that He gave him what he asked for and more. “I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour” (1 Kings 3:13).
Solomon didn’t chase money. He chased wisdom, and money came with it. This is what Proverbs keeps telling us.
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold” (Proverbs 3:13-14). Wisdom says, “Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness” (Proverbs 8:18).
Notice the word durable. A quick scheme can make you rich by Friday and leave you broken by December. Wisdom builds slowly and it lasts. “Through wisdom is an house builded, and by understanding it is established: and by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches” (Proverbs 24:3-4).
For our young men and young women
The two stories below are illustrations to make the truth easy to see. They are not real testimonies, and the names are made up.
Tendai is twenty-four and sits at a Mufakose combi rank with a friend who has just bought a phone. The friend says, “Come in with me. It’s a quick deal. A little paperwork needs adjusting, but nobody checks.” Tendai has been unemployed for eight months. His mother is tired. The money would help this week.
Wisdom asks what Jesus would do. Jesus would not fudge paperwork, and He wouldn’t borrow a shortcut that Joseph refused to take. Tendai says no, and it costs him the friend and the cash. But “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). A name that can be trusted is worth more than one good week.
Rudo is twenty-two and works in a shop. An older man, married, offers to pay her rent and her sister’s school fees. He says there are no strings. Rudo knows there are strings. She is also tired of counting coins.
Wisdom looks past this month’s rent and asks what this door opens and where it leads. “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands” (Proverbs 14:1). Rudo thanks him and walks out. Later she starts selling airtime and snacks on her days off. It’s slower and harder, but it’s hers, and nobody can call it in.
Men, hear this. Wisdom builds your house, your marriage, and your name. “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24). Wisdom is hearing and doing.
Women, hear this too. Wisdom isn’t about being quiet or small. “She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness” (Proverbs 31:26). Your voice, your choices and your business can all carry the wisdom of God.
How to pursue wisdom
Start with reverence. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). You can’t get wisdom while you’re ignoring the One who owns it.
Then ask Him. “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). He won’t scold you for asking. He gives liberally.
Then act on what you know. “Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not, neither decline from the words of my mouth” (Proverbs 4:5). Don’t forget it, and don’t drift from it. Wisdom you only agree with won’t help you at the door.
So today, before the call, the deal, the argument, the message or the offer, stop and ask what Jesus would do. Then do it, even when it costs you the coat.
Usatanga wabvunza kuti ndinodei. Tanga wabvunza kuti Jesu angaitei. Ita izvozvo, uchaona Mwari achivaka upenyu hwako nemoto unonaka.
Come and be with us
Sunday 10:00 AM and Friday 6:00 PM at Mount Zion, Corner Crowborough Way and Muonde, next to Mhuriimwe Secondary, Mufakose, Harare. Our Domboshava branch meets Sundays 9:00 to 11:00 AM at Parkhill College Room 2, Showgrounds. WhatsApp 0777492447. bodyofchristinternationalchurch.org.zw