Living Wisely

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5, ESV)

In II Chronicles chapter 1, we read of the newly crowned king of Israel. The man was Solomon, son of King David, and the weight of his new responsibilities lay heavy upon his shoulder. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and said to ask for whatever he desired. How Solomon responded says much about his character. He could have responded in so many different ways—requesting wealth, honor, success, or more. But instead, he only asked for wisdom and knowledge.

“Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?” (II Chronicles 1:10, ESV)

Solomon’s answer pleased the Lord. Because he desired wisdom over worldly success, God blessed Solomon with many of the things he could have requested but did not. Solomon recognized his greatest need was godly wisdom to lead the nation.

“Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” (II Chronicles 1:11-12)

THE WISE AND THE FOOLISH

The Bible has so much to say about the value of the wisdom that comes from God. It’s not just for those in positions of leadership and power. We each need it to successfully navigate our way through life. All we must do to receive it is ask God.

Scripture provides us with numerous comparisons between the wise and the foolish. Those who choose God’s wisdom are greatly blessed.

• The wise listen to advice. A fool thinks he is always right. (Proverbs 19:20, Proverbs 12:15)
• The wise show humility. The pride of the foolish brings disgrace. (Proverbs 11:2)
• The wise fear (show respect for) the Lord. A fool despises wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)
• The wise are cautious and walk away from evil. A fool is reckless and careless. (Proverbs 14:16)
• The wise build on a firm foundation. A foolish man builds on shifting sand. (Matthew 7:24-26)
• The wise seek to know God’s will. The unwise live carelessly. (Ephesians 5:15-17)

TWO WISDOMS

The Bible describes two types of wisdom: that which comes from above, and the wisdom of this world.

The Hebrew word for wise means “a mastery of the art of living in accordance with God’s expectations” (Vines Expository Dictionary). That should be our greatest desire.

James 3:17 explains godly wisdom in everyday terms. The wisdom that comes from God as pure, peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical. It offers insight as to how God wants us to live and interact with others. In contrast, I Corinthians 3:19 says, “For the wisdom of this world is folly with God” (ESV).

“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13, ESV)

MY PRAYER

Lord, You have promised that if anyone lacks wisdom but desires it, we must only ask. You are the source of all wisdom. I am asking that You help me develop the qualities of James 3:17 in my life. My desire is to walk wisely before You and to live in accordance with Your expectations for my life.

Devotion by Mary Loudermilk