Prayer for wisdom
Ja 1.5-6, « 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. »
Wisdom is a right natural or acquired knowledge of things. Indeed, the Bible tells us that it knows the interpretation of things (Eccl 8.1). Wisdom is soundness of mind. It is the ability or result of an ability to think and act utilising knowledge, experience. It is thus the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters.
So, James encourages all those who feel they lack wisdom to pray to receive it. It can be obtained. The book of Proverbs tells us that the LORD gives wisdom (2:6) which will come into our heart if we call it (2:3, 10). Solomon exhorted his son saying: “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding” (Pr 4:7). Why? Why is it so important?
Her gain is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing one desires can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace (Pr 3.14-17). She makes us walk securely on our way without stumbling (3:23). That is: she helps us live an exemplary Christian life, worthy of the Lord. She gives more strength to the wise than ten rulers who are in a city (Eccl 7:19). She brings glory and elevation and places a beautiful crown or a graceful garland on our heads (Pr 4:8-9). Wisdom protects like money; but the advantage of knowledge is, that wisdom gives or preserves the life of those who have it (Eccl 7:12). There are still so many other examples we can mention, but we will not be exhaustive. The ones that we have listed are more than enough to understand the importance of wisdom and desire to possess it.
If we pray this prayer, since it is in line with the will of God, we can be certain we are heard and our request is granted (cf. 1Jn 5:15). However, we are not going to receive crowns, prosperity etc. in a matter of days. In other words, though we have received it and it is dormant in us, we will not necessarily display the signs of wisdom overnight. To pray this prayer is to open ourselves to wisdom.
After listening to Job and his friends argue for a while, Elihu, the youngest visitor, said: “If you have any words, answer me… If not, listen to me; be silent, and I will teach you wisdom.” (Job 33:32, 33). Then he reminded Job that nobody gives orders to God (34:13), nobody disputes with Him (34:23-25), He does what He wants and is not accountable to anyone (34:29), He is not affected –changed in what He is– by our actions at all and our deeds only affect us or our fellow men, not Him (35:3-8). He finally gave him a glimpse of the greatness and omnipotence of the Creator (chap. 36 & 37). Following this, God also spoke to Job. He asked him a series of questions about the origins of the world, the domicile of the stars, the unusual strength of some animals, the reasons behind the choice of their habitats, the triggering of childbirth, the doors of the sea, the Sheol, the path of light, the laws of heaven etc. And of course, Job could give no answer to any of them.
“I will teach you wisdom” is followed by a very long hymn to the greatness of the Creator-Sovereign-Lord-God-Almighty. This deployment of divine majesty is such that Job suddenly feels stupid (not wise) and very small. Indeed, when you sit down to be taught wisdom, the first thing you understand is that wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD. To pray as James advocates is to sit at Jesus' feet, the Master’s feet, so that He Himself will teach us wisdom. That is why, if one does not have reverence for the Teacher, if one is not able to discern the preciousness of each and every one of His words and if one is not able to know their place (student, ignorant) then, there is no point undertaking this pilgrimage.
Sorry I did not post anything yesterday; I simply was not ready. I hope I have made up for it. Have a wonderful week, God bless and thanks for your understanding!
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