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James 1:5 - FINDING WISDOM.James 1:5 (NIV) 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.INTRODUCTION By "Wisdom," James means the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances; this is not just knowledge. Whenever we need wisdom, we can pray to God, and he will generously supply what we need. Christians don't have to grope around in the dark, hoping to stumble upon answers. We can ask for God's wisdom to guide our choices. God always answers this prayer when we ask him. The wisdom that we need has three distinct characteristics: (1) It Is Practical. God's wisdom relates to our lives even during the most trying times. It is not isolated from suffering and trials, but it gives us resources to overcome them. An intelligent person may have profound ideas, but a wise person puts profound ideas to use in order to choose the best course of action. (2) It Is Divine. God's wisdom goes beyond common sense. Common sense does not help us react joyfully in the middle of adversity. God's wisdom begins with respect for him, leads us to follow his direction, and increases our ability to tell right from wrong. This kind of wisdom is described at length in James 3. (3) It Is Christlike. When we ask for wisdom, we are ultimately asking to be more like Christ. The Bible identifies Christ as the "wisdom of God" (1 Corinthians 1:24; 2:1-7). [Life Application SB 2019] COMMENTARY PEARL The God whom we serve is no respecter of persons. He who gave to Solomon the spirit of wise discernment is willing to impart the same blessing to His children today. "If any of you lack wisdom," His word declares, "let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." James 1:5. When a burden bearer desires wisdom more than he desires wealth, power, or fame, he will not be disappointed. Such a one will learn from the Great Teacher not only what to do, but how to do it in a way that will meet with the divine approval. PK 31 COMMENTARY Asking for Wisdom An Amazing Fact: In the 17th century people began calling the third molars "the teeth of wisdom." Later, this was shortened to "wisdom teeth." The name has some basis in fact, since these teeth tend to appear during the transition into adulthood and by the time a person's brain reaches its full development, which is about 25 years of age. Solomon started out his kingship with the right attitude. He knew he needed discernment in order to be a good king, and he knew only God could provide it. Bowing before the Lord, he humbly prayed for wisdom, referring to himself as "a little child." In the same sense, we are all little children. We desperately need wisdom and guidance from our heavenly Father for all aspects of our lives. And God is glad to give it to us. "If any of you lacks wisdom," the Bible tells us, "let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5). Here's a promise we could claim every day! Paul prayed that the early Christian believers would receive "the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him [Jesus]" (Ephesians 1:17). And we know that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10). Knowing and honoring Christ is where wisdom begins. [Moving Mountains by Amazing Facts] PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS In Hebrew thought, wisdom was the ability to apply godliness to everyday living. Not merely head knowledge, wisdom was the practical ability to do the righteous thing in every situation. This was not an inherent human ability but God's gift. That's why we need to ask for wisdom. It is available to every believer who asks. [Being Still With God Every Day by Henry Blackaby] "Wisdom That Is From Above" (James 3:17) - That Is, A Knowledge Of God, Of His Ways, His Love, His Plan Of Salvation, His Saving Grace - Is What God Promises To Give You, [The Most Amazing Bible Promises by Amazing Facts] "If any of you lacks wisdom," the Bible tells us, "let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5). Here's a promise we could claim every day! EXCELLENT SERMON ON WISDOM Spiritual Wisdom by Pastor Ryan Ashlock: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SmjqQcfOY4 LINKS FOR FURTHER STUDY James 1:5 - FINDING WISDOM. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250210-1408.html James 1:5-7 - FINDING WISDOM: https://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200720-0848.html http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200325-0820.html Proverbs 2:6, 7 - God is the Source of Wisdom. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240206-0819.html Proverbs 9:10 - The Beginning And Foundation Of Wisdom. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2025/20250307-1453.html Psalm 111:10 - Wisdom 101. https://www.abible.com/devotions/2024/20240802-1225.html https://www.abible.com/devotions/2011/20110516-1002.html James 1:6-8 - How to Be Stable in Ever-changing Winds: http://www.abible.com/devotions/2020/20200706-0911.html LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT https://abible.com/links/ |