The Way of Wisdom – Part 3
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:5-8).
James does not say HOW God gives wisdom. He just states the fact of it. Perhaps some expect God to just miraculously insert wisdom into their psyche like King Solomon. (Where are these geniuses?) That’s not going to happen. Even Jesus grew in wisdom (Luke 2:52). It’s a process, like our prayers for patience. Wisdom comes from thoughts; thoughts come from words; words come from experience; experience comes from practice. God will create the circumstances where our practices, experience, words, and thoughts can be forged into wisdom, but we must be open to it at every moment. So, we pray.
One sure-fire way to get wisdom from God is to listen to what God has written in His word. The book of Proverbs was inspired for exactly this intent: “to know wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:2a). It would be at least consistent with one’s prayer for wisdom to turn to the word of God and listen to God’s words of wisdom. We do not need to repeat the mistakes of others when we can gain wisdom from God’s word.
God gives wisdom! He wants us to have it. He is the greatest giver. Let’s pray for wisdom, be open to receiving wisdom, and study God’s word to find wisdom.
God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley