Read 1 Samuel 18:5-16
Here was David, young, inexperienced, facing new challenges every single day. From our translations, being quite successful in the endeavor. It didn’t take long for David to go from a shepherd boy to a commander, from a new recruit to a sergeant and higher. According to verse 5, David “prospered.” This word also occurs in verses 14 and 15. These verses represent a period of time, but they also describe a sharp learning curve.
Our English translations basically state that David “prospered”NAS or “succeeded.”NIV However, instead of informing us about David’s success, the Hebrew word actually tells us why and how. The word is sakal. In its most simplistic definition, it is a verb that means “actively gaining wisdom.” This is the thinking wisdom that connects a to b. It takes what is heard, seen and experienced, and then applies it to choices being made. It evaluates what is or has happened, positive and negative, and derives a life application from it. When mistakes are made, they are thought through and learned from, so that same mistake is not made again. Sakal observes other’s lives as well and learns from them.
David was constantly thinking, listening, observing, being teachable and learning from everything that happened in his life and around him. He knew there was always something to learn, changes to be made in his life, and saw everything as an opportunity to grow in grace and knowledge. He learned from every opportunity and experience. If he made a mistake, he learned from it. If he was successful, he learned from it. If those around him with more experience gave him advice, he learned from it. He watched, he listened, he asked questions, he tried, he took risks and he grew wiser and wiser. In a very short time he went from clueless to leader – a teachable leader, the best kind! This is an admirable characteristic in a young man. He valued gaining wisdom throughout his life. (1 Kings 2:1-4)
The “secret” to gaining wisdom “in all that you do and wherever you turn” requires a few things:
- Experiences: positive and negative, successes and failures. We don’t have to worry too much about this aspect, as each and every day is full of experiences. However, there is also an element of risk involved – stepping out of our comfort zone. There needs to be an openness and willingness to go through those experiences that are hard, but afford the greatest lessons. Sakal is often thwarted by avoidance.
- Being reflective and teachable: there has to be a desire to grow and learn from each and every situation. That is not going to happen without taking the time to think each one through. If you know how to worry or stew about something that has happened, you know how to reflect. The question is: what direction do you go with it?
- Choosing change and growth regardless the cost. Applying what is learned more often then not requires changing the way we think, which in turn changes how we do things next time.
- Dependence on the Holy Spirit - “You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them (to sakal them/enable them to gain wisdom)” Nehemiah 9:20. There are many who strive to gain wisdom for a multitude of reasons, many admirable. They figure out from successes and failures, from obtaining information, by observation, etc., just how to make people and/or the situation work to his/her advantage and to get what he/she wants out of it. However, for it to glorify God and graciously serve others, the Holy Spirit’s enabling is required.
God wants us to be successful in all He calls us to do. We are invited to ask for wisdom (James 1:5), and then given a wonderful checklist to know it is from God (James 3:17). Godly wisdom requires God’s involvement, as well as our own. Failure to partner with God in our pursuit of success makes us vulnerable to pseudo or counterfeit wisdom that looks and sounds enough like the real thing to get us into trouble. (James 3:13-15)
Making It Personal
What specific endeavor, role or area in your life do you desire to be successful?
Do you feel personally adequate to accomplishing success on your own?
· If so, why?
· If not, why?
· What does 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 say about being inadequate?
A big part of gaining wisdom (sakal) and godly success is learning to “fall forward.” What does this mean to you?
Falling/failing is inevitable. Proverbs 24:16 says “a righteous man falls seven times, and rises again.” What is the significance of getting back up each time?
What is the promise of Psalms 37:34?
Sakal wisdom requires your being intentional and consistent. How can you implement being observant, teachable, specific in your application and dependent to your pursuit of success in the endeavor, role or area identified in the first question?
