“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5, CSB)
In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is personified. In part, it reads, “Wisdom calls out in the street; she makes her voice heard in the public squares. She cries out above the commotion; she speaks at the entrance of the city gates: “How long, inexperienced ones, will you love ignorance? How long will you mockers enjoy mocking and you fools hate knowledge? If you respond to my warning, then I will pour out my spirit on you and teach you my words.” (Proverbs 1:20–23, CSB) We all need wisdom.
Simply put, wisdom is the timely application of knowledge. Where knowledge is understanding something, wisdom is knowing when, where, and how to apply that understanding. But there’s more. There are two kinds of wisdom, and which one we lean towards makes all the difference.
James explains, “Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.” (James 3:13–18, CSB)
The wisdom we really want is God’s wisdom. And that is where the promises come in. There are many times that we see the problem, but don’t know the answer. We are faced with a choice but don’t know which way is best. We are facing a difficult relationship problem and don’t know what words to say. We always need God’s wisdom, but especially so in those times. As James said in our leading verse. If we lack wisdom, we should ask God. That is a prayer that God willingly and generously answers.
Other verses for this promise (Compiled by David Wilkerson)
- James 1:5
- Ecclesiastes 2:26
- Proverbs 3:13
- Isaiah 2:3
- Proverbs 16:21
- John 8:12
- Proverbs 28:5
- Proverbs 2:6-7
- Psalm 16:7
- Proverbs 1:5
- 1 John 5:20
- Proverbs 9:10
- Proverbs 19:8
- 1 Corinthians 2:14-15
- Proverbs 3:6
- Proverbs 16:22
- Job 12:13
- Proverbs 10:31
- 1 Corinthians 2:10
- 1 Peter 2:6
- Promises: Need Wisdom? - February 26, 2025
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- Promises: Reputation - February 19, 2025
