How would you respond to the question, "If you wanted to increase in wisdom, where would you look, and what steps would you take?"
We read in James 3:13-18 about two types of wisdom: earthly, natural, demonic wisdom vs. wisdom from above. I won't type out these verses here, but you can look them up to see the contrast given. Any discussion about wisdom's source requires first of all an identification of which wisdom one is looking for. Searching for wisdom may take different forms, but at the heart of the matter I must define where I want my quest to lead me. These verses begin with the question,
"Who among you is wise and understanding?" Would I place myself in that category? If so, why? What identifies me as either a wise or foolish person?
We see this contrast between wisdom and foolishness in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. In chapter 1 he gives a discourse in verses 18-25 starting out with this proclamation, "
For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." And he follows this up in chapter 3:18-21 with additional comments regarding this contrast. Part of this passage says, "
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God." So I face this decision: Will I pursue the wisdom of man and become foolish in God's eyes, or will I choose to embrace God's wisdom and in the process risk looking foolish to family and friends and others within my sphere of influence?
We read multiple places in scripture, "
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom..." (Ps. 111:10, Prov. 1:7;9:10, Job 28:28) On the flip side, the psalmist says, "
The fool has said in his heart, 'There is no God.' " Ps. 14:1a I recognize the tension here. I either see God and give Him the reverence He deserves, or I discount Him. One path leads to wisdom, the other to folly.
God invites us through His apostle James, "
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." I willingly acknowledge my lack of wisdom on many levels. God does not look down on me for this admission, but responds out of His generosity with provision. "
in [Christ]
are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." Col. 2:3 "
And [God]
shall be the stability of your times, a wealth of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is his treasure." Is. 33:6
I conclude with this thought. God is the source of wisdom. When I give Him the reverence He deserves, my own lack of wisdom reveals itself. And taking Him at His word gives me confidence to ask for Him to fill that void from His infinite storehouse.
