*LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL*
_By Pastor Mensa Otabil_
 
Saturday 6th June 2026

THE BLESSING OF WISDOM

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 8
 
Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength. By me kings reign, And rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, All the judges of the earth. Proverbs 8:14-16
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Wisdom is an important trait that marks people in positions of influence. Our world is built around communities and relationships. We interact with people daily and to be successful at influencing others positively, we must aspire to acquire wisdom.
 
Wisdom makes you a leader. This manifests in different ways.  

Wisdom helps us to do our work.

Because wisdom is related to finding practical solutions to problems, she enables us to do our work well. People repose trust and confidence in those who are successful at unravelling problems and then solving them. It opens up more opportunities for them to lead.

Wisdom helps us to rise up in leadership.

 It is a driving force that helps us to excel and shine among our peers and colleagues. Pursuing wisdom – to acquire it and live by it - will lead to promotion.

Wisdom helps us to lead others well.

Wisdom enables kings, governors, princes, nobles and judges to rule justly. It enables those of authority to govern with honour and grace.
 
Wisdom is able to do these things because it has five attributes:
 
a. Counsel. It is the ability to hear and discern good advice. Leaders receive different opinions from several quarters. It, however, takes wise counsel to determine which is the right or wrong way and, in some instances, which is the best way among a number of good options.
 
b. Sound Wisdom. It is not perverted.  It is not the kind of wisdom that is out to manipulate and control people. Neither is it one the serves in pretense, to lord it over others. Wisdom makes sound judgements.
 
c. Understanding. This is knowing the whys and how’s of life. People who bring clarity in the midst of confusion and direction that yields results are regarded as leaders. Their opinions are respected and highly sought after.
 
d. Strength. It is the ability to get things done. A person’s wisdom is seen in what they are able to do and accomplish. Our wisdom manifests itself in our actions. When we operate in wisdom, we complete tasks and achieve things.
 
e. Justice. Wisdom is manifest when we consistently do the right things. When we show fairness and equity in our dealings, we present ourselves as people worthy of trust and leadership.
 
In whatever leadership position God places us, He expects us to walk in wisdom and exert influence. May the Lord help you to be a person of wisdom.
 
Prayer:

Heavenly Father, make me a wise leader. Help me to treat those I lead with honour and fairness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.