S) "5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind."
James 1:5-6 (NASB)
O) The entire book of James is full of rich wisdom, covering myriad topics like money, works, words, salvation, forgiveness, mercy, and grace. It's not wonder, then, that he gets to the topic of wisdom pretty quickly. Later in the book (see James 3:13-18), we see a distinct difference between the wisdom of the world, and the wisdom of God. Like anything else that the world offers, it has only counterfeit goods. Wisdom is always obtained externally (a person cannot make himself wise), and so the options are to seek wisdom from the world, or to seek it from God. But, thankfully, our God is our heavenly Father, who loves to bless His children in grace, with wisdom, if only we will ask in faith. The faith is not simply to believe that God can and will give wisdom, but to believe that His wisdom is solely sufficient.
A) Years ago, I think I read this verse and began praying for wisdom. How can I follow and serve the LORD, if I am unwise about it? In grace, I learned that I didn't know what I needed to know. I believe that God has answered those prayers, to some degree. I can look back and see that I have more biblical, godly wisdom now, than I have ever had. At the same time, I realize that I still lack more than I ever knew. When I think of the most wise man in history, of course my mind goes to Solomon. If he did, in fact, write the book of Ecclesiastes, then it becomes pretty clear that his wisdom led him astray (even if not for Ecclesiastes, his wisdom didn't keep him from lustful, idolatrous sins). So, true wisdom is to know, that I need the wisdom to lead me back to God. As I pray for my children to have wisdom as well, I couple the requests with prayers that their wisdom would be from God, and lead them toward God, as only His grace will provide.
P) Father, Your grace is sufficient. I trust that, according to Your will, You have blessed me with wisdom enough. Your perfect Word gives all of the direction I need to live a life of righteousness and peace, according to Your provision. Even still, I know that there are things I don't understand as well as I could. I humbly ask for Your wisdom, to know how to rightly live my life, lead my wife, raise my kids, and minister to others. According to Your will, please bless my children with godly wisdom, that would let them properly understand the Bible, discern spiritual things, and ultimately strengthen their relationship with You, through Jesus Christ. Let Your will prevail in my life and theirs. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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