Ask God For Wisdom

Ask God for Wisdom

James 1:5 states:

“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”

Notice James does not shame them for lacking wisdom. He assumes we all do at times. Life presents decisions, trials, and crossroads that exceed human understanding. God already knows this, so He invites us to ask.

Wisdom is more than intelligence or education. Wisdom is God-given insight for living rightly. It is the ability to see life from God’s perspective and to respond in obedience.

Scripture reminds us in the Book of Proverbs 2:3–6 that wisdom must be sought like treasure:

"Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding."

• Wisdom is precious.

• Wisdom is purposeful.

• Wisdom comes from God alone.

Here is the headline of the text:

If you are lacking anything, ask God for it.

God is not the God of lack.

He is the God of abundance. And He gives wisdom liberally, freely and generously without rebuking us for needing help. Jesus reinforces this promise in Matthew 7:7–8:

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

Notice the action words:

• Ask

• Seek

• Knock

These verbs require effort. Prayer is action. Study is action. Obedience is action. God responds to those who actively pursue Him.

When we sincerely seek wisdom, God opens doors and provides direction.

Ask in Faith

James immediately adds a condition as he describes in James 1:6, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.”

How we ask matters. Waver means to be unstable to move back and forth between belief and doubt. James compares such a person to a wave driven by the wind no direction, no stability. Faith means being fully persuaded that God is able and willing to do what He promises.

Jesus teaches this same principle in Gospel of Mark 11:23–24 that when we pray, we must believe that we will receive what we pray for. Also, Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that without faith it is impossible to please God.

However before we ask God for anything especially wisdom, our hearts must be anchored in trust. Our conviction or belief must be so strong that we begin praising God before He answers our prayer. Thus faith is moving forward even when we don’t see the whole picture.

• God will honor our dependence on Him.

• God will reward our trust in Him.

• God will acknowledge our faith in Him.