The Beginning Of Wisdom

THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM

a prayer to open

Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true.

Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true.

Praise the LORD!

I will thank the LORD with all my heart

as I meet with his godly people.

How amazing are the deeds of the LORD!

All who delight in him should ponder them.

Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.

His righteousness never fails.

He causes us to remember his wonderful works.

How gracious and merciful is our LORD!

He gives food to those who fear him;

he always remembers his covenant.

He has shown his great power to his people

by giving them the lands of other nations.

All he does is just and good,

and all his commandments are trustworthy.

They are forever true,

to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.

He has paid a full ransom for his people.

He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever.

What a holy, awe-inspiring name he has!

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom.

All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom.

Praise him forever!

Almost all of us know people we would describe as wise. They seem to have access to deeper wells of knowledge and often have experience beyond what their years would suggest. How do we grow in wisdom? The psalmist tells us that wisdom begins when we trust God and commit to following him (“fear of the LORD” [verse 10]). In James 1:5, we are told that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God and it will be given to us. How might our lives be shaped if we were to ask God to give us the wisdom we need when we face difficult decisions or hard circumstances?

• Read this passage again slowly. What word or phrase stands out to you? Why do you think that word or phrase speaks to you? What does it say?
• Who comes to mind when you think of wisdom? What characteristics does that person have?
• In what area of your life do you need wisdom right now? How does Scripture advise you to handle that situation? Ask God for his wisdom in the area you need.

Thank you, Lord, for your promise of wisdom. Thank you for the guidance and counsel you provide in Scripture. Please give me your wisdom to face the decisions I need to make today, whether big or small. Direct my mind to Scripture passages that should guide and inform me. Give me the awareness and the resolve to walk in your ways, committed fully to your desires for my life. Amen.