NEED WISDOM?

If any man lack wisdom let him ask of God who gives to all men liberally, and upbraids not; and it shall be given him.  Jam 1:5

We all lack wisdom. The Bible does not give specific answers to the innumerable problems that arise in life. It does not solve problems in so many words, but God's word does give us general principles and we need to apply these principles to problems as they arise day by day. Spiritual wisdom is the practical application of our Lord's teachings to everyday situations.

Dr. R. A. Torrey was once teaching a class on this verse, and he asked the students what was the primary secret of obtaining wisdom. Everyone replied, “Asking God”. After making them think a little more about the matter, he told them that they had missed the point. He then indicated that the secret of obtaining wisdom is realising that we lack it. When we so pray, God promises to give us His wisdom “liberally” or “generously.”

"Wisdom" here is related to the trials which James is writing about. You and I have troubles and trials and problems. How are we going to solve this problem? How are we going to meet this issue? How are we going to deal with this person? If we lack wisdom in regard to a problem, we need to go to God in prayer.

Hindsight is a marvellous thing. No doubt we can look back on circumstances and think "... if only I had known, I would have done this or that ...". It is the same in most trials. When the decisions have to be taken, however, hindsight is not available. This promise in regard to the wisdom that may be necessary for us, is absolute; and we may be sure that if we ask in a proper manner it will be granted. How will God give it to us?   The answer to that question will almost certainly include:

· By His word - by enabling us to understand the principles and directions which He has there given to guide us.

· By the influences of His Spirit on the thinking that comes into our mind with regards to the problem.

· By circumstances making plain to us the path, and removing the obstructions which may be in our path.

We are thankful that among God’s dear people there is often found godly counsel and wisdom. However, on some occasions they may not fully grasp the issues we’re dealing with and are therefore unable to give the advice we seek. There is, however, always One who is able—the One called “Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God.”