As I was giving a talk to two insurance branches this morning, I spoke about the importance of embracing godly wisdom and rejecting the enticing appeal of worldly wisdom. It’s not an easy message to accept—especially in today’s culture, where worldly wisdom has become the norm, even celebrated.

We are told to “manifest your dreams,” to “believe in yourself,” and to keep hustling until we make it. This sounds motivating on the surface—but if we look closely, we’ll see that at the center of these messages is one consistent theme: self.

And this is where the problem lies.

We are so instinctively and profoundly self-centered… that we don’t even realize we are.

It’s in how we make decisions.

It’s in our definition of success.

It’s even in our prayers.

Self-centeredness has become so normal that it no longer looks like pride—it just looks like ambition, self-love, or “vision.” And often, it hides behind what we call wisdom.

But let’s be honest—we often prefer worldly wisdom because it massages our ego.

It affirms our desires.

It justifies our self-focus.

It tells us we can be anything, do anything, get anything—if we just want it badly enough.

That’s the hustle culture we’ve embraced.

Grind hard. Dream big. Make it happen.

But here’s the question: at what cost—and for whose glory?

Godly wisdom tells a very different story.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” (Proverbs 9:10, ESV)

“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” (James 3:13, ESV)

Godly wisdom humbles us.

It shifts the spotlight from me to Him. It reminds us that we’re not owners—we’re stewards. That life is not about chasing dreams but aligning with God’s calling. That our worth is not found in our hustle, but in our identity as His children.

When I speak on financial literacy and stewardship, I always remind people: wealth is not just about how much you have. It’s about how well you manage what you’ve been given. And you can’t steward well if your heart is consumed by ego and entitlement.

This is where true wisdom begins—not with self-belief, but with surrender. Not with ambition, but with obedience. Not with control, but with trust.

So I left that ministry engagement challenged as much as I was challenging others.

Because this isn’t just about success.

It’s about the posture of our hearts.

The wisdom of this world might get you applause, followers, and even wealth—but only God’s wisdom will produce a life of peace, purpose, and fruit that lasts.

Let’s choose humility over hype. Stewardship over self-promotion. Purpose over performance. Christ over self.

Because at the end of the day, the greatest thing you can manifest isn’t your dream— It’s God’s will.