Intersections

“A word to the wise” was one of the little phrases I remember my Grandmother using to get my attention.  It usually preceded some words of wisdom intended to keep me from getting into trouble.  “A word to the wise – you probably don’t want to eat those cherries you just picked all at one time!”  Usually, the indicator of just how wise I turned out to be was whether I paid attention to her advice.  Sometimes I was wise and sometimes I was in trouble.  Funny how living long enough to be a grandparent will equip you to pass on a little wisdom to the grandkids!

The Old Testament book of Proverbs contains a wealth of wisdom passed on from King Solomon to his children.  You may remember that, when God told Solomon in a dream he would grant whatever he requested, Solomon specifically asked for wisdom rather than power or wealth.  God was pleased with Solomon’s request and he delivered so great a measure of wisdom to Solomon that kings and queens came from the corners of the earth to hear his wisdom.  Not surprisingly, one of the recurring themes of Solomon’s Proverbs is the importance of seeking wisdom.  Proverbs 2:6-8 reads:

For the LORD gives wisdom;
   from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
   he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
guarding the paths of justice
   and watching over the way of his saints.

The benefits of wisdom are obvious and we would all do well to seek after wisdom for ourselves.  But how does one attain wisdom?  Is wisdom only to be gained through a series of learning experiences or perhaps at the feet of a wise teacher?  We must first recognize that, as was the case with Solomon’s wisdom, the only true source of wisdom is the Lord. 

As this Proverb states, the Lord stores up wisdom for the upright and this is the same Lord who is guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of His saints.  The word “saints” refers to us and we should know there is a storehouse in heaven of wisdom intended to supply each of us for the challenges of this life.  How do we tap into that storehouse of wisdom?  James gives us this simple and yet powerful formula in James 1:5-8:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”

How many of us could benefit from more wisdom in our lives?  For the saints, it is available to all who ask in faith.  Trust God on this matter.  A word to the wise – Ask in faith for Him to grant you the wisdom you need without doubting that He will deliver on His promise to you.  God is faithful to fulfill His promises.

Until next week,

Meet me at the intersection!