Now that we have a new president-elect, my hope and prayer is that our leader seeks wisdom from our creator. We have a lot of educated people in this world, but true wisdom comes from one source — God.

The American Heritage Dictionary defines “wisdom” as “understanding of what is true, right, or lasting; common sense; good judgment; learning.” The word that is used for “wisdom” in both the Old and New Testaments carries the meaning of having a “skill in living, following God’s design and avoiding moral pitfalls.”

King Solomon, son of David, was a man whom God enabled to have anything he wanted. Solomon asked that God give him wisdom. God gave Solomon great insight and a wealth of understanding, as measureless as the sand on the seashore. Solomon’s wisdom was greater than all of the men of the East, greater than all of the wisdom of Egypt. His fame spread and men of all nations came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world. One thing for sure: King Solomon knew where his wisdom came from.

Automaker Henry Ford asked electrical genius Charlie Steinmetz to build generators for his factory. One day the generators ground to a halt, and repairmen couldn’t find the problem. So Ford called Steinmetz, who tinkered with the machines for a few hours and then threw the switch. The generators whirred to life — but Ford got a bill for $10,000 from Steinmetz. Flabbergasted, the rather tightfisted carmaker inquired why the bill was so high. Steinmetz’s reply: For tinkering with the generators, $10. For knowing where to tinker, $9,990. Ford paid the bill.

Wisdom is a precious commodity in our world today. Our search for wisdom should be an exhaustive one. The Bible says we should search for wisdom as we would a hidden treasure.

The Bible also says, “For the Lord gives wisdom.” If you are searching for heavenly wisdom, you should go straight to God. James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

There are a couple of different ways God gives us wisdom. First is his word. The Bible is not just a book that’s full of history and stories. It is how God reveals himself to us. It is how God reveals his plans to us. The Bible is our handbook for how to live.

God also gives us wisdom through other people. We know that God uses us and other people to accomplish his plans. It makes sense, then, that God would use other people to dispense his wisdom. It is wise to surround yourself with people you trust and who have a proven track record in their own lives, so that you can glean advice from them.

Our new president-elect is obviously a very smart man and has surrounded himself with great men and women. My hope and prayer is that when it comes to true wisdom, he will know where to look.

Randall Brown is the executive director and founder of Fusion Warehouse student center in Anderson.