Is It Wisdom Or Is It Fear?
The difference between true Biblical wisdom and fear disguised as wisdom is often subtle, requiring intentional reflection to discern.
At the end of the day, this comes down to discerning whether we are walking in the Spirit or in the flesh. When we walk in the Spirit, fear is cast aside. When we walk in the flesh, we play it safe, miss open doors, and constantly wait for the “right time” to act. If there is one thing we have learned in our faith journey, it is there is rarely a “right time” for anything the Lord calls us to. At least, that is what it feels like to our flesh. But God’s time is always the right time.
Walking in true wisdom does not mean being reckless. The Bible instructs us to cherish wisdom, which is found in prayer, in hearing God’s voice, in God’s word, and in the counsel of others (Proverbs 15:22).
True Godly and Biblical wisdom is found when we walk by the Spirit and put the Lord first. The following scriptures provide insight into the key to wisdom being a relentless focus on the Lord above all else.
Psalm 111:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
Proverbs 9:10 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
When we love, fear, and revere the Lord, other fears lose power, helping us discern Godly wisdom from fear disguised as wisdom.
Fear disguised as wisdom is what we tell ourselves when we don’t move forward and take leaps of faith that deep down, we feel called to take. The devil wants to keep us stuck and stagnant and keep us from stepping into the full plans the Lord has for us. We will begin to think that saying no, playing it safe, waiting for the perfect timing, is living with wisdom in our life, when it is actually fear.
We also have to remember that Godly wisdom is not the wisdom of the world. Take a look at 1 Corinthians 1:18-30. Sometimes, though not always, our human, rational minds tell us something is wise, but it can lead us astray from what the Lord wants to do.
Let’s take a look at some examples from the Bible.
Godly wisdom tells Noah to build a boat when fear disguised as wisdom tells him to procrastinate because of what others may think. (Genesis 6)
Godly wisdom tells Abraham to take Isaac up the mountain, trusting that the Lord will provide. Fear disguised as wisdom tells Abraham to say no and that he isn’t hearing the Lord's voice correctly because God would not ask him to sacrifice his promised son. (Genesis 22:1-19)
Godly wisdom tells David to fight Goliath with a sling and a stone. Fear disguised as wisdom tells David to march into battle wearing Saul’s armor. (1 Samuel 17)
Godly wisdom tells Gideon to go to battle with 300 men, armed with trumpets and torches inside jars. Fear disguised as wisdom tells Gideon not to send anyone home and go to battle with 32,000 men. (Judges 7)
Godly wisdom tells Saul to trust in the Lord and wait on the prophet Samuel before making the burnt offering. Fear disguised as wisdom tells Saul to take matters into his own hands because Samuel is “running late” and the people are getting restless. (1 Samuel 13:8-15)
Godly wisdom tells the widow to use her last bit of oil and flour to make bread for Elijah. Fear disguised as wisdom tells her to save her last bit of flour and oil for herself. (1 Kings 17:8-16)
Godly wisdom tells Elijah to take on the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. Fear disguised as wisdom tells Elijah to flee from Jezebel and hide in the desert. (1 Kings 18 and 19)
Godly wisdom tells Nehemiah to make a radical request from the King to help rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Fear disguised as wisdom tells him to keep his mouth shut. (Nehemiah 2:1-8)
Godly wisdom tells Esther to appear before the King without being summoned. Fear disguised as wisdom tells her not to approach the King because she could be killed. (Esther 5:1-8)
Godly wisdom tells Peter to trust Jesus and step out of the boat onto the water. Fear, disguised as wisdom, keeps Peter in the boat while he continually says he trusts in Jesus. (Matthew 14:22-33)
Godly wisdom tells Paul to live a radically transformed life and to preach the gospel regardless of his past. Fear disguised as wisdom tells Paul to dwell on his mistakes and assume he can’t be used by God because of his past sin, and that he is unqualified and no one will listen to him. (Acts 9:1-31)
Godly wisdom tells Timothy to learn and grow as a young leader in the early church. Fear disguised as wisdom tells Timothy he is not ready and that he is too young. (1 and 2 Timothy)
These are just a few examples from the Bible, and if you are like us, you probably have a long list from your own life as well.
Remember, God has specific and radical plans for each of you. God wants you to seek his face and seek Godly wisdom for what he is telling you to do. He wants you to trust his wisdom, not the world's.
Ask yourself and pray about this: “In what areas of my life do I call caution wisdom, when it may really be fear in disguise?”
It may be a tough conversation you know you need to have, but you keep telling yourself the time isn’t right.
It may be confessing a sin and clearing your heart with the Lord and other believers, but you keep telling yourself it is dangerous to do so.
It may be starting that business, changing jobs, moving to a new location, being more generous with your finances, etc, but you are afraid the timing isn't right.
It may be staying in a place of comfort because it’s easy, but deep down, you know the Lord wants you to step out and grow.
Prayer: Lord, I thank you for all you have done and all that you are doing in my life. Thank you that you provide me with Godly wisdom through your word and Holy Spirit. Please forgive me for times I have allowed fear to be disguised as wisdom. I repent and choose to listen to your voice, even if it goes against what I am feeling or thinking. I declare that I will have no fear for you are with me, I will not be dismayed for you are my God, you will strengthen me and help me and uphold me with your righteous right hand as it says in Isaiah 41:10. In Jesus name I pray, amen.
Praying for you all!
Ryan and Julie Taylor
