Three Steps Toward Wisdom

Proverbs is considered to be “the wisdom book” of the Bible. I don’t know about you, but I’ve already made enough mistakes to last a lifetime. Frankly, I would like to make as few as possible between now and my last days on this earth. So I can use all the wisdom I can get!

Proverbs 19:2 warns, “A person who moves too quickly may go the wrong way” (NLT)! In today’s fast-paced world, circumstances may try to keep you from taking the time you need to think through situations. Your kids shout that they’re going to a friend’s house as they head out the door. Your friend calls and says she’s got tickets to a local fair and asks if you want to go. The problem is, you have to decide right this minute ’cause they’re going fast.

No matter what the pressure is, “wisdom waits.” Take time to pray and, when necessary, consult someone you trust. The truth is that very few things in life call for an instant decision or offer rewards worth the problems that haste brings. Keep your cool. Take your time. Let's take a look at three steps to wisdom:

1. Desire wisdom. Want to be “happy”? Then crave wisdom. Solomon wanted wisdom above all the other things the human heart can desire. What is it you want more than anything else? A long life? Riches? Things… and more things? Check your heart. As Solomon teaches, “Happy is the man—or woman—who finds wisdom” (Proverbs 3:13).
2. Pray for wisdom. Cry out for it! That’s what Solomon did and tells you to do. He recognized his need for wisdom and discernment… and he asked God for it. He didn’t pray for a good marriage, obedient children, or money to pay the bills. No, he prayed, “Give me wisdom and knowledge” (2 Chronicles 1:10). It’s not wrong to pray for your marriage, family, and finances. Just be sure you are constantly praying for the one thing that will improve every other thing in your life. “Call out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding” and you will be get wisdom (Proverbs 2:3).
3. Seek wisdom. Proverbs 2 continues: “If you seek wisdom as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will find the knowledge of God” (Proverbs 2:4-5). Solomon tells us where to get wisdom—”The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (verse 6). The wisdom you need is found in the Bible!

Whatever situation you find yourself facing, you don’t have to argue, debate, or make lists of possible positive and negative outcomes. There's no need to wrestle with your views and thoughts for days or weeks on end. You don’t have to agonize or grope around in the dark, hoping to stumble upon answers through trial and error.

Whenever you need wisdom, all you need to do is pray and ask of God… and He will respond: It will be given to you!

RESPOND:

Lord, give me a few minutes to catch my breath. Help me slow down so I can seek Your wisdom and consider the options for the decisions I have to make. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES:

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REFLECT:

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him (James 1:5)

REMEMBER:

Do you want a surefire, wide-open, readily accessible avenue for getting wisdom? All you have to do is ask God for wisdom through prayer. It’s as simple and straightforward as that.