Exploring Biblical Wisdom - Words From the WiseSample

What is wisdom? And where can it be found? Here are two questions which are fundamental to being successful in life, but how many of us find answers to these questions?

The Bible has much to say about wisdom. Indeed, some parts of the Bible are devoted entirely to this theme and are known as wisdom literature. Three books in particular are Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Job. But for many Christians, these are not the easiest books to read, so perhaps we should start elsewhere in our search for wisdom.

In James, we read: “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” (Jas 1:5). What a remarkable offer! Free wisdom to all? Does this sound too good to be true?

Moreover, this is for everyone. If anyone lacks wisdom – that includes you! You don’t need to pass any particular test or undergo any checks. There’s no fault finding involved. If you lack wisdom (and who doesn’t at times!), then just ask, and free delivery is guaranteed. That’s better than any supermarket offers. It’s ‘buy one, get one free’ without even having to buy one. Who would want to turn that down?

But suspicions can set in. Surely there’s a catch somewhere. Well, there is a sort of ‘terms and conditions’ clause attached, some small print to read over carefully. In the next verses, James goes on to issue a warning: ‘But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.’ (James 1:6-8).

So something is required of us, namely a firm belief in the goodness of God, to grant our request. But if you are a Christian, then asking in faith is what you should do anyway. This is how a follower of Jesus should live, constantly believing that our heavenly father provides us with every good and perfect gift (see Jas 1:17). And Jesus himself encouraged us to: ‘Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives. . .’ (Matt 7:7-8).

So, is this an offer you can’t refuse? Will you take advantage of God’s generosity? We’ll explore more about this gift in the next few talks.