Purpose Study Bible 185: Justice Wisdom
Earlier in this study, we looked at the need to create justice, which involves taking rules and principles and applying them to unique situations for which there is little precedent to know how to act. The Lord continued to express His concern for justice in Deuteronomy 19:
"This is the rule concerning anyone who kills a person and flees there for safety—anyone who kills a neighbor unintentionally, without malice aforethought. For instance, a man may go into the forest with his neighbor to cut wood, and as he swings his ax to fell a tree, the head may fly off and hit his neighbor and kill him. That man may flee to one of these cities and save his life" (Deuteronomy 19:4-5).
The Lord required that the people build cities of refuge, which was in itself a creative act. They had to determine where to build them, what and who would be in those cities, and then had to establish courts of law to hear cases and carry out just decisions for punishment or leniency. All this had to involve creativity in their legal interpretations and not just following of hard and fast rules, which could never cover every possible scenario. This is why we need God's wisdom to dispense His justice in our homes, schools, businesses, churches, and governments.
The good news is that He wants to give us this kind of wisdom: "By me kings reign and rulers issue decrees that are just; by me princes govern, and nobles—all who rule on earth" (Proverbs 8:15-16) and "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).
Are you seeking God for wisdom as you express your creativity and purpose? Are you asking in faith and then watching for the answer, believing that God isn't trying to trick or mislead you? How can you build a life and work that is a place of refuge for those who have made mistakes or in need of mercy and grace? The Word of God is clear that we all need wisdom to walk out our purpose and that wisdom is accessible to all, even you. All you need do is see the need and ask.