Wisdom

God will give you wisdom when you need it

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We live in a complex world and need God’s wisdom more than ever. And God is willing to provide it ... if we ask him.

James 3:15 talks about two types of wisdom – one comes from heaven. The other is ‘earthly, unspiritual, and demonic’.

That’s what Eve received in the garden of Eden.

In Genesis 3:6, she saw that the tree of knowledge was ‘desirable for gaining wisdom’.

So, she ate fruit from it - and was left naked and cursed.

Like her, we must choose between God’s wisdom and the devil’s when we make important decisions.

The Greek word for the demonic wisdom that James refers to means: ‘Rational, circumspect, prudent, consider carefully’.

This sounds appealing, but it is the opposite of God’s wisdom.

When Moses sent out 12 spies to the Promised Land, ten of them reported back with worldly wisdom.

They said in Numbers 13:27ff ‘It really is a land flowing with milk and honey. Here’s some of its fruit. But the people who live there are strong, and the cities have walls and are very large. We can’t attack those people! They’re too strong for us!’

A rational, careful assessment.

But then Caleb said: ‘Let’s go now and take possession of the land. We should be more than able to conquer it.’

He saw the same things as the other 10 spies but used Godly wisdom that was based on faith.

Similarly, when Mary poured nard on Jesus’ feet, Judas reacted with demonic wisdom.

He asked why the perfume wasn’t sold and the money given to the poor. After all, it cost a year’s wages. Very rational.

But Jesus then presented God’s wisdom: ‘You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.’

Now, God provides two types of wisdom – his ongoing wisdom and his gift of wisdom.

His ongoing wisdom is acquired and stored.

Proverbs 2:1–5 says: ‘Accept his words, store up his commands within you, turn your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding.’

Proverbs 1:5 adds: ‘Let the wise listen and add to their learning.’

Wisdom is a gift

In contrast, the gift of wisdom which Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 12:8 gives revelation when we need it for a specific situation.

James 1: 5 says: ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.’

God makes this gift easy to get. First, he says that anyone can ask for it. That means you!

Then, he guarantees that he will provide it generously, and without finding fault. So, he won’t mock you or say you should have known better. He wants you to ask, but in faith – in other words, believing he will answer. 

You see examples of the gift of wisdom in the New Testament.

When the Pharisees asked Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar in Matthew 22:15-22, he answered: ‘Render to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar, and to God that which is God’s.’

His opponents were speechless.

And during Stephen’s trial, Acts 6:10 says that Stephen was filled with wisdom. As a result, his opponents ‘could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke’.

God usually provides wisdom when we need it. So, if you need it straight away, the answer may be the first thing you think of. If not, it will come later.

Wisdom is one of the few unconditional promises in the Bible. All you have to do is ask and believe.

So, remember that next time you need guidance.

Cleland Thom.
Cleland helps to lead Freedom House, a praying community based in the UK.