Wisdom is an invaluable virtue that we all need in life. Yet many of us feel we lack wisdom or don’t know where to turn when needing guidance. The book of James in the Bible offers encouraging advice on what to do when lacking wisdom. Let’s explore James 1:5 and see what we can learn.
James 1:5 states: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” This verse gives us a clear action step – ask God for wisdom! God promises to give wisdom generously when we ask Him. Some key points:
- Admit you lack wisdom – be humble enough to recognize your need for greater wisdom.
- Ask God – bring your request to God in prayer and ask Him for wisdom.
- Have faith – believe that God will keep His promise and give you wisdom generously.
- Wait and listen – pay attention after praying as God may answer your prayer in various ways.
Why does God tell us to ask Him for wisdom? First, wisdom begins with fearing God and recognizing Him as the all-wise Creator (Proverbs 1:7, Psalm 111:10). Asking God for wisdom is an act of humility and reverence toward Him. Second, human wisdom is limited but God’s wisdom is infinite. His thoughts and ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8-9). We need supernatural wisdom from our omniscient God.
Third, wisdom is a gift from God. King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead Israel rather than riches or long life. This pleased God, who granted Solomon immense wisdom (1 Kings 3:5-12). The book of Proverbs personifies wisdom as calling out and pleading with us to seek true wisdom rather than earthly pleasures (Proverbs 1:20-33, 8:1-36). God delights in giving wisdom to those who earnestly seek it.
When asking God for wisdom, come with an open and humble heart before Him. Consider if there is any sin clouding your fellowship with God, and repent if needed. Pray earnestly and specifically for wisdom related to the decisions or situations before you. Believe that the all-wise Creator cares and hears. Wait attentively on God, expecting Him to guide your thoughts and circumstances. Study Scripture, where God’s wisdom is found. Seek wise counsel from mature believers.
As you ask for and receive wisdom, be sure to apply it! Wisdom not applied is useless. So put God’s wisdom into practice, obey His commands, and make choices aligned with biblical truth. Stay connected to God through prayer and study of Scripture so you can continually receive His wise guidance. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10). Humility comes before honor (Proverbs 15:33).
What if you still feel stuck and lacking wisdom after asking God? Keep persevering in prayer. God promises to give wisdom to those who earnestly seek Him, but His timing may differ from ours. Wait patiently and trust His divine timing and plan. Also examine your heart and life and see if anything is blocking you from receiving or applying God’s wisdom. Stay close to God, believing He will fulfill His good promise.
In summary, if you lack wisdom, go sincerely to God your Father and ask Him for wisdom. He generously gives wisdom to all who humbly ask Him. Seek Him in prayer. Study the Bible. Obey God’s commands. Wait patiently on the Lord. He will grant you wisdom at just the right time and empower you to follow His ways. God bless you with His divine wisdom every day!
Here are some additional Bible verses about wisdom to meditate on:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” (Psalms 111:10)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.” (Proverbs 3:5-7)
“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Proverbs 3:13-15)
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity.” (Proverbs 2:6-7)
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness,’ and again, ‘The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.'” (1 Corinthians 3:18-20)
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)
“And I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom all that is done under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 1:13a)
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)
“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)
“Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gains understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13)
“My son, if you receive my words And treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, And find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:1-6)
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)
“The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:7)
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17)
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.” (Proverbs 1:8-9)
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” (Proverbs 3:7)
“The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.” (Proverbs 10:14)
“Folly is an unruly woman; she is simple and knows nothing.” (Proverbs 9:13)
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” (Proverbs 13:20)
“Forsake folly and live, and go in the way of understanding.” (Proverbs 9:6)
“Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the Lord are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” (Hosea 14:9)
“Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.” (Proverbs 19:20)
“The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” (Proverbs 21:20)
“The wisdom of the prudent is to give thought to their ways, but the folly of fools is deception.” (Proverbs 14:8)
“Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars.” (Proverbs 9:1)
“For wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Proverbs 8:11)
“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” (Proverbs 24:3-4)
“Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” (Proverbs 24:3-4)
“Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding.” (Proverbs 3:13)
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17)
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.” (Colossians 4:5)
“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.” (1 Corinthians 1:30)
“When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.” (John 16:13)
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33)
“For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)
“Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” (1 Corinthians 3:18-19a)
“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.” (James 1:5)
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” (1 Corinthians 1:25)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
“A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, But knowledge is easy to him who understands.” (Proverbs 14:6)
“The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17 NIV)
“Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” (Proverbs 4:6-7)
“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)
“Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” (Proverbs 4:10-11)
I hope these verses on wisdom from God’s word help provide guidance and encouragement! Remember, we all lack perfect wisdom, but God promises to give it to us generously when we ask Him in humility and faith. Seek the Lord for true wisdom every day!