The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel Youth · Nicky and Pippa Gumbel

Day 88: How to Become Wise

March 29, 2026·13 min·1 clip

A town sex worker washes Jesus' feet with her tears and hair, revealing how wisdom sees the heart, not the past.

The episode opens by stating its topic: how to become wise. It references Oprah Winfrey's view that wisdom comes from within as intuition, but immediately counters that true wisdom comes from God through relationship. The host explains that knowledge is horizontal, while wisdom is vertical, descending from above. Biblical wisdom literature is introduced, including Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs, described as dealing with diverse life areas like the power of the tongue and parenting. This wisdom is framed as sanctified common sense that leads to self-understanding and helps master life's challenges, forming a legacy from parents to children. Ultimately, wisdom is found in Jesus Christ, who is called the wisdom of God. A passage from Proverbs 8 is quoted, personifying wisdom and emphasizing its immense, eternal value over material wealth. Four points about wisdom are outlined: it comes from God starting with the fear of the Lord, it is pure and beautiful as described in Proverbs and James, it helps leaders govern fairly, and it is available to all who seek it, with a promise from James that God gives wisdom generously. The New Testament reading from Luke 7 tells the story of a sinful woman who anoints Jesus' feet with perfume at a Pharisee's house. The Pharisee judges Jesus for allowing her touch, but Jesus defends her, noting her great love stems from being forgiven much. This illustrates seeing people with wise eyes, beyond outward appearances. Jesus tells a parable about a bank manager forgiving large debts to explain forgiveness and love. The episode notes that Jesus sees the heart rather than the past, offering a new start through faith. The Old Testament reading from Numbers 26-27 shows Moses allotting land wisely based on group size, with mention of Caleb, Joshua, and Jolaphed's daughters who courageously spoke for women's rights. Moses' wisdom is attributed to seeking God's guidance. Pippa Gumbel shares a personal story of misjudging a woman on the London Underground who later saved her daughter from an escalator fall, highlighting repentance and gratitude. The episode concludes with an action to pray for God's wisdom.

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