How can I get wisdom from God?

Answer

“Wisdom is supreme—so acquire wisdom. And whatever else you acquire, get understanding,” says Proverbs 4:7. The Bible emphasizes the importance of gaining wisdom and illustrates it through examples, highlighting the consequences of lacking wisdom. The book of Proverbs contrasts the wise and the foolish, stating that revering the Lord marks the beginning of wisdom «The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: And the knowledge of the holy is understanding. », (Proverbs 9:10). Therefore, wisdom is attained by embracing a life guided by the fear of the Lord.

The fear of the Lord entails a profound respect for Him that significantly influences our conduct. It involves honoring God, following His commands, accepting His discipline, and worshiping Him with reverence. Those who fear the Lord are acutely aware that their compassionate heavenly Father observes and assesses all their thoughts, words, and actions. When we live with the awareness of God’s presence, we make more prudent choices. Just as a mischievous child is inclined to behave better under a parent’s watchful eye, knowing that God is actively watching us prompts obedience even when we are familiar with His teachings.

The wisdom of God is found in His written Word. Adhering to God’s teachings has a transformative effect, “making the simple wise” «The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. », (Psalm 19:7). We grow in wisdom as we delve into the Scriptures and put them into practice: “Your decrees are always with me and make me wiser than my enemies. I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Those desiring to obtain wisdom from God must be willing to reject so-called wisdom from other sources. Those with worldly thinking will always advise against true, godly wisdom. Saving sex for marriage, avoiding drunkenness, and giving sacrificially to God’s work all seem foolish to the worldly-wise. Those who seek wisdom from God must be ready to be misunderstood by the rest of the world «If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. », (John 15:18).

James 1:5 assures us that when we need wisdom, we need

Only ask of God, and He will grant it to us. However, we must ask in faith with intentions to obey (verse 6). Numerous individuals desire God’s wisdom, yet they also wish to compare it to their own comprehension and determine on their own whether they will adhere to it. Nevertheless, Proverbs 3:5–6 cautions us not to rely on our own understanding. Instead, we are to have faith in the One who comprehends all things, including the end from the beginning. He is the One who has our best interests at heart.