Wisdom

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” Jam 1:5 (NIV)

James gives some very sage advice to the Christians of his time. Scattered abroad after the stoning of Stephen, the members of the new church were unsure of many things. Therefore, we should not be surprised to see wisdom in the context it is presented:

Testing of faith in trials leads to: Perseverance, Maturity and Completeness

Let me paraphrase James:

Christians do not let the trials get you down. Stand fast and face the trials in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. As you persevere, you will mature and your faith will be made complete. However, you need to remember this can’t be done on your understanding. You need the understanding only God can provide – ask Him for that wisdom. The wisdom only He can provide!

Don’t miss the importance of that concept. A footnote in the NIV suggests “wisdom is not just acquired information, but practical insight with spiritual implications.” You see, it is not just the attainment of cognitive processes. Wisdom combines the intellect and the motivation of heart as that person seeks and follows God.

Since the Epistle of James has a writing style very similar to Proverbs, it makes sense to look there for some additional insight into wisdom.

Proverbs 1:7 (NIV) – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…”

Proverbs 2 begins with the moral benefits of wisdom – “My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

As I read those verses, I can’t help but think about tablets of the heart and discernment that only the Spirit can provide. Do the “words of my mouth and meditations of my heart” please the Lord? You see, it is the godly wisdom I need, not the book knowledge!

Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) – “Wisdom is supreme; therefore, get wisdom.” The translation of supreme is “to get first.” So, in the context of this discussion, I must seek God first in all things. As I go forward and read the word, I begin to become a doer of word, and I experience the goodness of God on a personal level.

Listen again to James implore the Jewish Christians – “If any of you lack wisdom, he should ask God…” not for wisdom sake, but for the edification and glorification of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Before going to sleep tonight, read Proverbs 9:10-12 for more insight into the wisdom provided by the Lord.

Be Blessed