Finding Wisdom

We hear a lot about shortages these days. Some areas face drought and even the rationing of water. Other areas are experiencing famine so there's a shortage of food. But one shortage that seems universal is wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge in a practical way. The world is filled with knowledge, but it desperately lacks the ability to apply it in a helpful way.
There is a solution to this; it's called God's Word. Through God's Word, you can learn how to apply truths to your life that will benefit you and all those around you. Let's see what the Bible has to offer.

What Does God Say?
"If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do" (James 1:5-8, NLT).

"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do" (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NLT).

• According to James, who are we to ask for wisdom?
• What kind of an attitude do we need to have when we ask?
• The apostle Paul tells Timothy that Scripture is the instrument God uses to impart this wisdom. List at least three characteristics of God's Word found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that relate to wisdom.

My Thoughts
When was the last time you turned to the Bible for wisdom? What might be stopping you? For some it's the thought that the Bible was written thousands of years ago and couldn't possibly be relevant for today. However, the Bible deals with human nature, and while technology changes, human nature doesn't. Others don't know where to start. One good place is with those books of the Bible called the Wisdom Literature: Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon.

My Part
For the next 31 days, read a chapter from Proverbs each day. Before you begin reading the chapter for that day, stop and pray. Ask God to show you the wisdom He wants you to learn for that day. Keep a notebook handy to record the insights God gives you.

Additional Scripture: 1 Kings 3:5-9