Am I the only one that looks around and wonders- “What in the heck is going on in this world?!”

It seems the world has gone mad- heartache runs rampant with violence, murder, suicide, crimes, pornography, sex trafficking, perversions, infidelity and hate as its foot soldiers.

All we have to do is tune into the news to find a plethora of headlines that shout anguish:

Utterly devastated: Mooresville mourns officer shot, killed during traffic stop

Now-familiar 'run, hide, fight' put into practice during shooting at UNC Charlotte

From harmful fetishes to sex trafficking, Robert Kraft case highlights risks facing Asian women

62-year-old woman stabbed to death on N. College Street in uptown. Suspect arrested.

Sadly, we don't even need the news to showcase the hurt in our society as it can be found right outside our front doors- infidelity, divorce, anxiety, phobias, depression, child abuse, animal abuse, domestic violence, addictions, hate-crimes, abortions, road-rage, identity, and sexual orientation confusion… the list goes on.

We are swimming in a world of hurts, violence, chaos, and confusion!

We cry out for the madness to end.

We cry out for solutions.

We demand answers.

We seek solace.

We place blame.

But, we don’t take responsibility.

And we certainly don’t accept that change begins first with ourselves.

I believe that change is possible and the world can become a place of peace with one solution:

WISDOM

It sounds so simple. Like wisdom is a given.

I would argue that when we look around at our society, the distinct missing piece is wisdom! We have entirely glossed over its importance.

Foolishness is the absence of wisdom and we are fools to think wisdom just happens.

Wisdom is mentioned 222 times in the Old Testament and is regarded as one of the highest virtues among the Israelites along with kindness and justice.

Interestingly, wisdom is portrayed as a woman, and we find her in the Book of Proverbs:

Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her; those who hold her fast will be blessed.

By wisdom the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, by understanding he set the heavens in place; by his knowledge the watery depths were divided, and the clouds let drop the dew.

My son, do not let wisdom and understanding out of your sight, preserve sound judgment and discretion; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck. Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble. When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you. Do not plot harm against your neighbor, who lives trustfully near you. Do not accuse anyone for no reason— when they have done you no harm.

Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.

For the Lord detests the perverse but takes the upright into his confidence. The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous. He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed. The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame. ~ Proverbs 3:13-35

God is wisdom.

All of creation was made by and through His knowledge- His wisdom. It is through Wisdom that we can achieve blessings, life, prosperity, pleasure, security, peace, serenity and honor.

Who doesn’t want these things?

For those that shun wisdom and thereby turn away from God their reward is a curse and having a life that is filled with violence, turmoil, anxiety, fear, and pain.

True wisdom that brings peace and life can only be obtained when we draw closer to God- the very author and source of wisdom.

The way of wisdom is the way to peace.

Lord, you are the author of wisdom and give so generously to all that seek you. I'm praying that all who read these words will grasp the magnitude of the importance of seeking wisdom and a closer walk with you- it is through Christ and your word that wisdom is available to all that ask. When we draw near to you-you draw near to us and wisdom can be realized.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ~James 1:5