Daily Inspirations by Rev. Dr. Precious prothro
November 23, 2025
Wisdom vs. Experience: Which Teacher Are You Listening To?
Today’s Sunday school lesson is realistic and relatable. The commentary highlights the difference between experience and wisdom. Both teach us, but they teach in very different ways.
My sister has always been the “wisdom” one. With me being the oldest, she watched me, paid attention, and decided what not to do. I, on the other hand, learned my lessons through experience. We laugh about it now, but I’m sure our parents had many days of concern, wondering what my next “experience” might bring. Blessedly, God’s plan for my life prevailed, and now wisdom weighs much heavier than experience.
So, where are you standing today?
When we’re young, experience is often the teacher we listen to. But as we grow and mature—both in life and in Christ—our goal is to learn without having to repeat the same hard lessons. We should not need the same experiences to make us obey the Lord.
James 1:5 reminds us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Wisdom is available to us, but we must pair our request with obedience. We have to trust God’s warnings and instructions more than we trust our curiosity, impulses, or desires.
James 3:17 teaches us the nature of Godly wisdom: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
May we seek His wisdom, follow His voice, and grow in maturity so that wisdom becomes our teacher more often than experience.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for being the source of true wisdom. Help us to grow beyond needing repeated experiences just to learn the lessons You have already taught us. Shape our hearts to respond quickly to Your voice, to trust Your guidance, and to surrender our curiosity and desires to Your will. Teach us to walk in wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy. Strengthen our obedience so that our lives continually reflect Your character. In Jesus’ name, amen.