Inspired by the Africa Study Bible

How much different would the world be if everyone had godly wisdom? What would society look like if everyone had the desire to be wise like Solomon? Many people think that getting a good education, studying, working hard, and being smart of intelligent can take the place of wisdom. All of these aspects are good, but they cannot replace wisdom. Like the Africa Study Bible tells us, wisdom cannot be purchased like a tuition to be best private school in town. Wisdom cannot be taught like the alphabet or algebra. Wisdom is more than just being smart or well educated.

The book of James talks a lot about wisdom. James 1:5 says,

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”

James 1:5

This verse clearly states that God is delighted when his children ask him for wisdom. He will not hold back because he is happy to give it out as a gift to us. However, we must have the right mindset about wisdom. James 1:6-8 says,

“But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind.Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.”

James 1:6-8

We must trust in God and God alone in order to have wisdom. We cannot say that we trust God, but then rely on ourselves and/or any other outlets to sustain us. God asks for our surrender, and he rewards those who dedicate themselves fully to him. We must also remember that having wisdom does not make us better or more qualified than anyone else. Having wisdom does not mean that every choice we make will always be the right one, nor does it mean that everything will always work out like we want it to. When we ask God for wisdom, the heart behind our request matters to God. He will take into account our “why”. Here is a list of what having wisdom does mean:

  • Obeying God no matter what with a joyful, trusting heart
  • Believing that God is good and in control regardless of outcome or circumstance
  • Admitting when you are wrong and/or asking for forgiveness
  • Having humility and discernment
  • Asking God for help in decision-making and following the path he would have you walk down
  • Surrounding yourself with Christ-like influences
  • Having a spirit of prayer
  • Living honourably
  • Walking in God’s Will only

What steps can we take to become wiser? First off, we know that wisdom comes from the Bible because the Bible comes from God. When we study the Bible, we gain and solidify our wisdom. We learn more every time we read the Bible. If our mind is a dinner plate, we scoop a big helping of “food” onto our plate every time we study God’s Word, so we “fill up” on wisdom. And the best part is, the Bible is an endless buffet. The amount of wisdom that we can gain is infinite – we can always go back for more when we need it.

Next, we gain wisdom through fellowship with other believers. Surround yourself with encouraging, strong friends that love the Lord and trust him. Ask them questions. Be honest with them. Do life with them because they will make you wise, just as you will make them wise. Two is better than one (Matthew 18:20).

Then, pray. Talk to God about your desires for wisdom. Why do you need wisdom? Maybe there is an upcoming tough decision that needs to be made. Maybe you are experiencing friend or familial conflict. Maybe you want to help a loved one by counseling them through their hard times. Whatever it is, tell God about it. Pray Scripture. Express your honest thoughts. Ask him to guide you.

Take a look at the quote from the Africa Study Bible below:

“ Earthly wisdom can be destructive, promote jealousy, and be selfish. God’s kind of wisdom is pure, peace-loving, gentle, submissive, full of mercy, impartial, and sincere. We need to ask for God’s wisdom.”

Africa Study Bible

This is what our world needs. Godly wisdom can radically change everything as we know it. This wisdom is exactly what we need. It’s everything we’ve been looking for. Because of this truth, God’s wisdom is irreplaceable.

This excerpt is inspired by an Article of the Africa Study Bible titled “Godly Wisdom vs. Earthly Wisdom”. Africa Study Bible Articles are about the Christian life and critical concerns that face the church in Africa and its people. The articles help you understand how to apply the bible to a specific area of life where God’s wisdom is needed.

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