How to obtain Godly wisdom

Posted by Brett Pinion on Jul 19, 2011 in Daily Bread | 3 comments

I love reading God’s word but I cannot honestly say that I always make time to study it. However, whenever I turn off the computer, radio and TV and dive into the bible I never come away disappointed. As I grow older I see things I missed before and I wonder out loud- “how did I not see that” and “how could I be so dumb”.

In James chapter 1, God once again opened my eyes to new understanding. What is a person to do if he wants to become “mature and complete”? James answer is for me to pray for “wisdom” not health, wealth or happiness. I don’t know that I have ever just asked God for increased wisdom (even though I know King Solomon did and received it and more). I always want something more immediately gratifying. But God knows me better than I know myself. Proverbs 3:13 says: “Blessed is the man who finds wisdom,… for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.” No one has ever become satisfied because he obtained another car, job, house or toy. My experience is the more stuff I own the more stuff that breaks.

But verse 7 does list one requirement if I am to receive wisdom or godly insight: I must ask for it in faith in him alone. God simply will not tolerate being one of several options. I cannot ask God for something with mixed loyalties (to him and the world). He wants all of me. Why would God listen to my prayer if I didn’t put confidence in him? I cannot deceive God. He knows my heart and thoughts and knows if I truly am seeking his will or my own comfort. Do I think he is too weak, busy or uncaring? Absolutely not! Did I pray to God for wisdom when I decided what school to go to or what to major in when I was younger? Honestly no, but I am god’s work in progress and I thank God for his patience with me.