Wisdom is the ability to make good decisions and sound judgments. Wisdom is knowing how to walk in the favor and will of God.
We all need wisdom, especially when we come to the crossroads of life.
"Which way should I go?"
"Should I take this job?"
"Is s/he the one for me?"
Wisdom protects us from making bad choices and ruining our lives. But where do we get wisdom?
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)
The best source of wisdom is God himself. God knows the future and he can see the unfolding landscape of your whole life. You don't know what's coming around the bend, but he knows.
How do you get wisdom from God?
We get wisdom from God by asking. In the economy of grace, asking is how we receive.
"God gives generously" means God will never make you jump through hoops to earn his wisdom. Nor does he expect you to compensate him for his wisdom.
The One who gave us his Son will freely give you an abundance of whatever you need (Rom. 8:32). That includes your need for wisdom.
How do I ask for wisdom?
With confidence!
This is the confidence which we have before him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (1 John 5:14)
It is God's will for you to ask him for wisdom. It says so in the Bible.
In the old covenant, your best source of wisdom was wise friends (Pro. 15:22). Wise friends are a blessing, especially when they stop you from doing something stupid. You want to marry who?!
But the ultimate source of wisdom is the Spirit of wisdom – God himself. Asking the Lord for guidance is step 1 in learning how to walk in the spirit.
How do I know this wisdom is from the Lord?
Wisdom is only as good as the knowledge on which it is based which is why we can distinguish between earthly and heavenly wisdom.
Wisdom that comes from above is informed by the supernatural insight and revelation of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). But earthly wisdom is natural and demonic (Jas. 3:15). It's influenced by Satan rather than the Lord.
Natural wisdom is based on natural understanding and is limited to what we see, hear, and think. It is sensual (based on the five senses) rather than spiritual, and primarily concerned with the preservation and elevation of self.
In contrast, the wisdom from above is "pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, and without hypocrisy" (Jas 3:17).
Wisdom from above
The wisdom from above comes to us through our revelation knowledge of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:30). Everything you need for life and godliness is found in him. If you need wisdom for your marriage or business or church, your first and last port of call is a greater revelation of Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:17).
When we go through trials, it is easy to get disoriented and lose our way. The temptation is to take matters into our own hands and do what seems right in our own eyes, but that way lies death and disaster (Pro. 14:12).
A better option is to ask the Father for the wisdom that comes from above. His wisdom will release the righteousness and favor of heaven into your life.
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