Seeking Wisdom

Seeking Wisdom

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 2:1-22

Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. (Pr. 2:2-4 NLT)

The writer of Proverbs saw wisdom as a treasure worth seeking. Every day we face decisions, choices, questions, and judgments that require wisdom. We are bombarded on television to invest in gold and silver as a hedge against bad economic times, or to purchase this or that better car, or to take advantage of some new opportunity. What should we do? Who do we turn to for wisdom in making a sound decision?

     Solomon, the wisest man on earth, knew the source of his wisdom. In Proverbs 2:6-7 he says, “The Lord grants wisdom? From his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity.” (NLT)

     David, the father of Solomon, learned early in his ministry as king that God was the source of wisdom. I Samuel 5:17-19 says, “When the Philistines heard that David has been anointed king of Israel, they mobilized all their forces to capture him. But David was told they were coming and went into the stronghold. The Philistines arrived and spread out across the valley of Rephaim. So David asked the Lord, “Should I go out to fight the Philistines? Will you hand them over to me?” The Lord Replied, “Yes, go ahead. I will certainly give you the victory.”(NLT)

     How do you and I go about seeking the wisdom from God? James, in his epistle, gives us the answer—we must ask for it. If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind” (Jas. 1:5-6 NLT). As you can see, there is the element of faith involved in the asking.  

     Do you need wisdom? Are you facing a crossroads and don’t know which way to turn? Should I buy new struts and tires, or purchase a new vehicle? Should I go to college or get a job? How should I proceed? Pour out to God your lack of understanding, your confusion, your indecision, and your doubts and fears. Admit to the Lord that you don’t know what to do or which way to turn. Then, in faith, believing, ask him for wisdom to make the proper faith choices. Claim the

 promise that “God grants wisdom to those who ask for it.”

     Make a list of the needs that require God’s wisdom. Take them one by one to him in prayer.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I confess the need for your wisdom for present and future decisions