A Reflection On Wisdom

When I need to ask God for insight

Why would God set up a process for us to gain wisdom? Why would He not just give it to us? Because asking for His wisdom and receiving it brings us into relationship with Him. The wisdom we receive is not information imparted, but character learned. We observe who He is, we learn to behave like Him, and we come to know Him better in the process.

Have you found yourself needing guidance in a given situation? Our usual tendency is to pray for direction, but God has a better way. Pray for wisdom, and the direction will become clear. If we were to pray for direction, God could only answer by giving us information. But if we pray for wisdom, God answers by giving us His own mind. Far from being a onetime request in a moment of need, this can be an ongoing process. God’s provision of His mind is more than instructions for a way to go; it is training for a way of life.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

James 1:5