There are so many different perspectives on how to achieve success in life. How do you define success? What does success look like in your mind? How can a person know when they have achieved it?

Some people seem to think success can happen overnight. Others think it takes time and you will really have to work at it.

Some say it’s all about your education. Get the right degree from the right institution. But others would tell us that it’s all about self-discipline. Some say it’s all about who you know. Could it be about who you marry?

We live in a culture that is infatuated with the idea of success. We are driven by the desire to know more, do more and be more. Everybody wants to succeed.

So what is success anyway? Is it fame? Is it money? Is it power? How do you define success?

Biblically speaking, success is equated with wisdom. A successful life is a life lived with wisdom. It has been said that the clear path to failure is in trying to please everyone. Success is not found in pleasing everyone. True success is found in pleasing only one. Ultimately, that one is God.

James has a lot to say about how to succeed in life. The first thing he tells us is we have to learn to listen (James 1:19). Listening is not always easy. With so many distractions these days, listening has never been more of a challenge.

Learning to listen may be one the most important relational skills you can learn here in the 21st century. An ancient Greek philosopher once said, “There is a reason why we have two ears and one mouth. We should listen twice as much as we speak.” That’s good advice.

Proverbs 17:28 tells us, “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent and discerning if he holds his tongue.” I guess the old saying is true: “It’s better to have people think you are a fool than to open your mouth and prove it.”

There is wisdom in listening. In listening to other people, you will find more success in your job. You will find more success in your relationships and in just about every area of your life.

And the wisest decision, when it comes to listening, is in learning to listen to and apply the truths that are found in God’s word. That’s what ultimate biblical wisdom is all about.

You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].