How to Get Real Wisdom: What Solomon Missed and Most Men Still Don’t Understand

Wisdom is not the same as knowledge—and most men haven’t grasped that yet.

In Ep. 221 | How to Get Real Wisdom: What Solomon Missed and Most Men Still Don’t Understand, Nick Surface and Garrett Unclebach dig deep into what real wisdom looks like—and why most Christian men are stuck in cleverness without grounding. This episode, prompted by a listener’s question, unpacks the difference between spiritual discernment and worldly intelligence, the cost of not submitting to God, and how to build lasting conviction.

“Wisdom isn’t just about smart decisions—it’s about being the kind of man God can trust.” — Nick Surface

The Solomon Reversal: When God Said ‘Be Wise’ and We Heard ‘Be Smart’

Nick and Garrett open by wrestling with Solomon’s story in Ecclesiastes: a man chosen by God, given unmatched wisdom, but still abused everything because he strayed from submission.

“Solomon had the wisdom to write Proverbs—and the foolishness to live Ecclesiastes.” — Garrett Unclebach

This isn’t just trivia—it’s a warning. Knowledge without God-led submission leads to ruin, not maturity.

Three Lies Most Christian Men Believe:

1. Wisdom = Genius

2. Wisdom = Experience

3. Wisdom = Age

None of those guarantee trust—not in your work, your leadership, or your marriage.

Nick redefines wisdom:
“Wisdom is God’s perspective for God’s purpose.”

The Three Pillars of Godly Wisdom

The hosts break down wisdom into three essential pillars—none of which are optional:

1. Submission

True wisdom begins with acknowledging God’s authority. Garrett warns: when you chase wisdom without fear of the Lord, you're merely chasing cleverness.

“The fear of the Lord isn’t sissy—it’s your shortcut to maturity.” — Garrett

Proverbs 9:10 says it best: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”

2. Source

The temptation is to treat Scripture like a buffet—pick and choose what suits you. But wisdom must be rooted in God’s Word.

Nick points out that biblical authors trusted God even when it didn’t make sense. That’s the source—not your feelings.

3. Discernment

This is not judgment—it’s the Spirit’s ability to read reality through eternity.

If you’re scanning culture for inspiration rather than Scripture for illumination, you’re building a life on shifting sand.

“Desire without discernment crashes into compromise.” — Nick Surface

How to Spot Counterfeit Wisdom

They offer vivid examples of counterfeit wisdom:

• Confidence without depth

• Spiritual buzz without obedience

• Strategy without conviction

Nick cautions:

“You can sound wise—and still be building your life on smoke.”

But real wisdom always produces humility, fruit, and peace.

When Failure Builds Wisdom

One of the major themes: failure is not always a detour—it’s often the path.

Garrett shares how his own low moments forced him to choose submission over pride. That didn’t feel spiritual at first—but it produced godly perspective.

“God uses failure not to shame you, but to shape you.” — Garrett

James 1:2–4 teaches that trials produce perseverance—and perseverance produces maturity. That’s wisdom in action.

Final Thoughts: Are You Becoming the Kind of Man God Can Trust?

God didn’t give you Solomon-level insight so you could chase the spotlight. He gave it so you’d shepherd truth.

So here’s the challenge:

• Submit first.

• Study deeply.

• Walk humbly.

• Ask God for discernment.

That’s how you build wisdom.

“Books get you knowledge. Trials get you wisdom.” — The Impossible Life Podcast

You may not be brilliant yet—but if you’re humble, rooted, and consistently obedient—you're on the path to wisdom. And God can entrust you with real authority.