WISDOM

In the book of Daniel, chapter 12 there is a description about wisdom. Daniel 12:3, “And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above.” In 12:10b, “And none of the wicked shall understand, but those who are wise shall understand.”

First, let us define wisdom, biblical wisdom is making sound decisions and understanding truth that glorifies God and benefits the person. Biblical wisdom and biblical knowledge are connected, whereas wisdom and general knowledge is not necessarily connected. We all know highly educated people who have Ph.D.’s but make really foolish decisions. Believe me, when we stand before Christ our degrees and awards will mean nothing without having walked in biblical wisdom. Knowledge without wisdom puffs up.

How do we get this biblical wisdom?

By the grace of God, we can receive wisdom. James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach. But let him ask in faith with no doubting…” Here it is, we can ask God for wisdom, and He will give it to us generously! What a great promise, but it has a catch, we must ask in faith without doubting.

What does it mean to ask in faith? It means we must be confident that what we are asking is something God will approve of. If you are confident that the wisdom you are seeking will glorify God, then ask it, without doubting. But why does James add, without doubting? What do we doubt in our prayer for wisdom? Most people that I have talked to doubt if they are righteousness enough to approach God in prayer. This is a major roadblock to answered prayer. But James gives us the answer to successful prayers.

James 5:16b, “The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working!” Here is the outcome of a righteous prayer, it has great power as it is working, but I have pulled this verse out of its context. Look at what James says before, James 5:16, “Confess your sins to one another and prayer for one another, that you might be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power…” If we carry the guilt of sins committed our conscience will cause us to doubt and arrest our prayers. Psalm 66:18, “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.“

As a Christian our righteousness comes from the imputed righteousness of Christ, and we stand justified. Justification is the gracious act of God whereby He declares us righteous in His sight, because of Christ’s imputed righteousness. But we still sin, yes, we do, and therefore we must follow I John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Only after confession of sins, either to God or people you have offended, are you in a place where your prayers for wisdom will not go unhindered.

Do you need wisdom? Confess your sins and ask of God for He will grant wisdom generously!

Soli Deo Gloria, John