If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 (ESV)
If we are to persevere through the challenges of life we need more than just knowledge We need wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to rightly apply knowledge. A person who is knowledgeable is not necessarily wise. A person who is wise is not necessarily knowledgeable. A person who is wise is a person who puts their knowledge to work. A wise person may have great knowledge or limited knowledge. The amount of knowledge does not matter. It’s all about the ability to use knowledge.
We have access to more knowledge today than at any point in history. The problem is that we don’t know how to put all that knowledge to work. Increased knowledge without wisdom makes our lives more complicated and difficult. Knowledge without wisdom is a dangerous thing.
Of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Ecclesiastes 12:12 (ESV)
Maybe you have seen this concept at work when you are doing research for a major purchase. You read reviews on different products. You ask for recommendations for your friends. You have listed all the pros and cons of each product. Still for all your learning you are more confused than ever. You have knowledge. What you lack is the wisdom to make the choice and rightly apply your knowledge.
Wisdom is a Gift
Wisdom is not something that can be taught. It is not something that can be bought. Wisdom is a gift. James says if you lack wisdom you should ask God.
The most famous example of this comes from the Old Testament. King Solomon asks God for wisdom.
Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people? 1 Kings 3:9 (ESV)
Throughout his life, Solomon was widely acknowledged as the wisest man on the face of the earth. However, recognize this request for wisdom was born out of crisis. Solomon was young and inexperienced. His father, David, left big shoes to fill. He was given the overwhelming task of governing God’s people.
In my office, I have a copy Martin Luther’s Sacristy prayer. It is a request of God similar to the request of Solomon.
The point is that when you are faced with an overwhelming circumstance ask God for wisdom. Ask him for insight and discernment. Ask him for the ability to rightly apply knowledge.
God Gives Wisdom Generously
James relates that God gives wisdom generously. He gives it liberally and lavishly to all who ask. He does so without reproach. He is unbiased. It doesn’t matter where you have been. It doesn’t matter your past. It doesn't matter your age. All who will seek the wisdom of God will find it. It falls in line with a promise of Jesus:
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 (ESV)
Keep in mind wisdom is not found in popular opinion. It’s not found in the pages of Facebook or Google. It’s not found in the glamour of Hollywood. Wisdom is found in a relationship with Jesus.
Jesus is the Wisdom of God
To those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ (is) the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:24 (ESV)
The wisdom of Jesus flies in the face of worldly wisdom. This wisdom is not found in strength but weakness. It’s not found in riches but poverty. It’s not found on a throne but the cross. It’s not found where most people are looking.
There is the cliche: “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” In this case, it's not knowing about Jesus, it's knowing Jesus. There is a difference!
Questions for Reflection
- What crisis or big decision do you face? Have you asked God for wisdom?
- Why do you think wisdom is so rare?
- Who do you admire because of their wisdom? What lessons can you learn through observing their life?
- What is the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus?
- Share your thoughts and comments below.
Phyllis Krauss Wetters says
I am looking forward to the emails on the book of James.
Sara Minhinnick says
I think there are many people who simply know about Jesus, but do not know Him. They agree with facts about His life, but do not have a personal relationship with Him. That was me up until 3 years ago, but thankfully God didn’t leave me there. He helped me see that I didn’t have a relationship with Jesus, all I had was knownledge about Him which wasn’t going to save me.
JOAN says
Like common sense, wisdom is not so common.
Lisa Martin says
What is different about knowing about Jesu and knowing Jesus is called realtionship. If we don’t have a realtionship we can’t know him.
Julie says
It was such a gift to open my email and find this study on James! I can’t wait to dig in! I so enjoyed your past teaching and really missed getting your emails. Thank you!
Hummie says
I hope you don’t mind me linking. I am enjoying the thought process and blogging to answer your questions. I just hope I have time to keep it up every day. I may get behind.
Answers to today’s reflection questions:
Candy says
People all over the world have knowledge about Jesus, but they do not know who He is. If you know who He is then you know what He’s done for us. There is no greater love.
Fran says
I know I am not going to get the exact words that I once read, but hopefully the idea will come across. Even Satan knows about Jesus, but he does not know Jesus.
Dwight says
Knowing Jesus is knowing the heart of the Father. Jesus said he did nothing or said nothing apart from the Father. Knowing Jesus means being so close to him that you see the Father working and get in on what he is saying and doing.