SEARCHLIGHT
People are quick to offer words of wisdom but not quick to accept them. What do you need to do to become a wise person?
SCRIPTURE
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 NIV
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is, first of all, pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
A story is told about a little boy who came home from his first day in school. He dropped his backpack which contained his school books and quickly began doing what he had done all summer long which was playing and enjoying a life of ease. Surprisingly, he heard his mother ask him, “Do you have any homework for class tomorrow?” Now in shock, he looked at her and said, “I have to go back tomorrow?” Too often we are like the little boy by not seeking wisdom. We do not admit that we lack wisdom. Too many of us are not wise at becoming wise.
What is even worse is that we often listen to the advice of people before we seek God’s wisdom. Mahatma Gandhi confronted Christians by saying, “You Christians have in your keeping a document with enough dynamite in it to blow the whole civilization to bits; to turn society upside down; to bring peace to this war-torn world. But you read it as if it were just good literature, and nothing else.” [Lifeway]
What is wisdom? It is when you possess the ability to evaluate life and direct yourself in such a way that you make right choices and do right things that will honor God, your Creator.
HOW WISE ARE YOU AT BEING WISE? Are you desirous of becoming wise? Do you seek human wisdom or Godly wisdom? Do you read books and articles without reading your Bible? Do you listen to podcasts without listening to God in a personal time of daily prayer? Do you pursue wealth or wisdom? Do you ask for advice from people who will tell you what you want to hear, or do you seek someone with objectivity?
James wrote believers to encourage them to seek God’s wisdom. In the above Scripture passage, he clearly pointed out that upon admitting your need for wisdom (advice, input, or insight) be sure to ask God before asking other people. He gave 3 reasons why you should do this:
- God wants to give you wisdom.
- God will generously give you wisdom, at no charge.
- God will not criticize or scold you for having unwisely acted or made a bad decision.
You are in store for receiving wisdom from the all-knowing, all-powerful, everywhere-present God.
In Chapter 3 of his book, as seen in the above Scripture section, James offers you 8 reasons why you should seek Godly wisdom before human wisdom. God’s wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. You cannot buy, steal, or borrow this wisdom. The Message puts this verse in such a way causing you to realize whether you truly are wise: “Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced.”
Suppose you are facing a big obstacle in your life. What is the first thing you should do? Most people would try to handle the problem by themselves. James 1:5 directs you to get God’s view. Look at the situation from God’s perspective. You need a heavenly view to get a full view.
Godly wisdom is divine which makes it truthful and right. By learning God’s wisdom, you learn God’s design and His ways. You empty your mind of personal desires, preconceived ideas, and how you want it to work out.
Human wisdom can be helpful, but it is greatly limited. A friend’s wisdom is inadequate because it can be biased and influenced by past experiences. Human cleverness is not enough for you to do life well. Godly wisdom is both divinely insightful and practical. The Bible says that gaining Godly wisdom is far better than possessing silver and gold. [Proverbs 3:13,14]
Remember God’s guarantee in James 1:5. God will always give you direction. He will give it regularly and frequently. You must ask for it. In addition, He will generously give it. God is ready to lavish wisdom upon you. And God will give you wisdom without question. He will not find fault because of what you are asking.
Are you ready to become wise at being wise?
SOMETHING TO DO
- Pray and ponder the following question before becoming a responder: What do you need to do to become a wise person?
- Read Psalm 111:10 and Proverbs 3:5,6.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I desire to become a wise person. Teach me how to do life. I need You to fill my mind and spirit with daily wisdom. I will seek to worship and honor You with my life. I will read Your Word. Teach me Your thoughts. Show me Your ways. AMEN!