Applying Wisdom to Life

by Tom O’Neil - I have been painfully restoring a launch over the last couple of years. It’s been a wonderful journey, (despite losing steering, the forward gear-shift breaking and hitting a sunken log, snapping off the propeller).

Learning to successfully pilot a launch, however, has been an interesting process. One thing that has become abundantly clear to me is the difference between 'intelligence' and 'wisdom'.

Before Grace (my boat's name) even hit the water, I did the right thing by completing a Day Skipper Course through the Coast Guard. During this process I gained a solid theoretical knowledge of seamanship, including learning how to successfully navigate waterways, give way rules at sea and safety procedures when you get yourself into trouble.

As valuable as this was, I discovered when I was actually piloting Grace on the water that theory is all well and good but being out in the real sea – with others not obeying the rules, ferries rushing towards you in congested sea lanes, and the weather making vision difficult, – having only a theoretical knowledge was stretching my skills.

Only after months of practice have I begun to gain 'wisdom' in what I do at sea. Wisdom allows you to make better decisions based on your previous practical experience, building upon the theory (intelligence) you have learnt.

Intelligence gets us through exams and driving tests, but God's wisdom helps us successfully navigate life.

Following God's wisdom in our lives allows us to operate in a way that not only pleases Him, but keeps us far from the rocky shores where we may sink, and provides a safe harbour to rest within when we need it.

Proverbs 2:1-5 says,

"My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,

² turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding –

³ indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,

⁴ and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,

⁵ then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God."

I encourage you to ask God for wisdom in every aspect of your life. Doing so will help you make the best choices as you move forward and live your life to the full in Him!

God bless and go for it!
Tom O’Neil