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Guidance or Wisdom

You have probably never heard of William Lamb, otherwise known as Lord Melbourne. He has a claim to fame the fact that he mentored a young lady named Victoria when she was between the ages of 18 and 21. One day (when Victoria was 18) he announced to her that she was now Queen of Great Britain and Ireland, and his next action is so remarkable. He opened the Bible with her and took her to the Old Testament, where they read together from the story of Solomon.  

Solomon, like Victoria, had been appointed to the throne. One night early in his reign, God appeared to him in a dream and offered him anything he wanted. This was Solomon's response: “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (2 Chron. 1:10) This pleased God so much that He granted Solomon the wisdom and knowledge he had asked for and, in addition, great wealth and fame. As a result of the wisdom he received, we know Solomon today as the primary author of what we call the wisdom books of the Old Testament.

There are times in life when we need guidance and times when we need wisdom. Sometimes we need to be told what to do or where to go, and sometimes we need to evaluate the situation ourselves and make a decision based on judgment. Generally speaking, we need guidance when we are young and wisdom when we are older. Children need a lot of guidance, and as they mature they need to develop wisdom so that they can make decisions as adults. That's not to say that adults don't ever need guidance; however, in most cases, they are expected to have wisdom. 

Wisdom and guidance are not necessarily exclusive of one another. Someone can work through an issue with wisdom and then be given guidance. Someone else can begin by seeking guidance, and part of that guidance can come through wisdom. We need to be open to both, ready to receive help however God gives it.

God has given us the resources of prayer, the Word, and wise counselors. Are you seeking to grow in wisdom? Do you ask God for wisdom when you face a decision? Do you meditate on what the scriptures mean in your life? Do you have older, wiser believers you can turn to for advice?

Prayer: Lord, let these things be true of me. Sometimes in the past, I have depended on my own judgment and made foolish decisions. Forgive me and help me to walk by faith in Your wisdom. Help me to turn to the Word, to ask You for wisdom to seek godly counsel.