| June 2000 TRUE WISDOM (James 1:5,6) “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” I read once of a man who had great interest in higher education. In fact he had earned his Doctor of Divinity degree. However, no one took him seriously. The man’s name was Dr. Fiddle, and his diploma read, Dr. Fiddle D.D. All humor aside, wisdom is really important. In the book of Proverbs it says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: ” (Prov 4:7). In my mind there is a difference between wisdom and knowledge. Knowledge is knowing about something but wisdom is applying what you know. Someone said, ”Knowledge comes by taking things apart, wisdom comes by putting them together.” James shares some important insights about true wisdom in these two verses: THE PROVIDER OF TRUE WISDOM (5) “let him ask of God” The Bible recognizes two kinds of wisdom, the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God. The wisdom of this world is foolishness compared to the wisdom of God, (1 Cor 3:19). God delights to give wisdom to all who will ask Him. His wisdom is always accurate and applicable to our daily life. God, the Author of life certainly knows the best way that life is to be lived. Asking God is more than just making a request. It is an acknowledgement of His complete understanding of everything that comes into our life. Much of what we need to know we have already been given, namely in the scriptures. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16). The word inspiration means “God breathed”. In other words God has already spoken concerning these truths. Knowing God’s will in the situations that touch our lives and prayerfully committing to Him our desire to conform to His will brings great satisfaction and peace. THE PROMISE OF TRUE WISDOM (5) “it shall be given him” Note, it does not say he possibly might or it could be, or maybe, it says he will be given wisdom. Those sincerely looking for God’s understanding will receive a knowledge and understanding beyond their own ability. Spiritual wisdom comes from God and He gives it without belittling or reproaching us, he gives it willingly and lovingly. As we act on the wisdom given, God will give even more. Listen to what Jesus said in John 7:17,” If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine,” Obedience brings greater wisdom. To neglect the wisdom God is to neglect the greater wisdom. We wouldn’t think of neglecting education according to human standards, how much more according to God’s standards. Train yourself by knowing, relying, obeying, and applying His wisdom. THE PROVISION OF TRUE WISDOM (6) “ask in faith, nothing wavering” Faith is an acting personal trust in all that God reveals concerning Himself. The world says, show me and I will believe. God says, believe, and I will show you. Faith is commitment to God and wisdom comes in committing ourselves to God’s revelation. There is a great effort in our world today to leave out God. They say He’s not relevant or He is not necessary. Listen to what God says about that. “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools” (Rom 1:22). Have you come to God in faith with your question, problem or difficulty? If you really want to know His solution, God will show you. The Bible encourages us to be wise men and women. But what is true wisdom? Many today have degrees - AA’s, BA’s, PHD’s, Masters, yet have no knowledge of God. Can we say they are wise? I think not. True wisdom is provided by God, promised to all who seek Him , and will be provided to all who trust Him. It comes from above and comes to all who will look to God for it. Will you? A little boy came to his dad and asked, “Why is the earth round?”. The father, reading his paper said, “Beats me, son”. The boy then asked, “Is there life on other planets?”. The father responded, “Nobody knows the answer to that.” The son then said, “Dad, do you mind my asking questions?”. The father looked at him and said, “No indeed, how are you going to know if you don’t ask? Indeed, we need to ask if we want true wisdom, and we need to be sure we ask the right One. Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Salvation is as easy as ABC. A- Admit you have a need (Rom 3:23). B- Believe, trust or accept Jesus’ death and resurrection as payment for your sin (Acts 16:31). C- Commit yourself to His finished work (Rom 10:13). This little prayer could mean the difference in your eternity. Lord Jesus, I know I’m a sinner, come into my life and save me. True wisdom begins with a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ (Col 2:2,3). God
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