Do you question what it takes to grow in wisdom? Do you find yourself doubting that YOUR life could reflect and amplify godly wisdom or wonder if you can experience the peace and blessings of being on the right path?
Moses sought a “heart of wisdom” in (Ps 90:12) and Job’s friend Elihu believed that God shows a “regard for all the wise in heart” (Job 37:24.)
So what does our heart have to do with wisdom?
Most of us think of wisdom as being associated with intelligence, experience, or discernment, not something that goes deeper, to the very heart of a person.
When Solomon was crowned King of Israel, God spoke to him in a dream and told him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.”
As a grown man, Solomon’s response was surprising. “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties…give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” (I Kings 3:1-15)
Why would a grown man call himself a “little child?”
Clearly, he recognized the monumental responsibility that was placed on his shoulders- to lead the great nation of Israel- God’s chosen people- just as his father, King David had done, and that he was not equal to the task. He knew he needed help. He needed wisdom if he were to lead this nation with the same loyalty, integrity, and faithfulness to God, just as father did.
Nearly a thousand years later, Jesus contrasted the hearts of those who accept and those who reject Him. He praised God because He reveals Himself to those possessing a humble, childlike faith– not those that the world considers the intellectual elite, highly educated, and influential. God is not impressed by appearances, accomplishments, or knowledge. He looks at the heart.
Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure.” (Matthew 11:25-26) NIV
Those who were considered wise, by worldly standards, and those highly educated in Jewish law and tradition had a very hard time with Jesus- their hearts were prideful and hardened against seeing their need for Him.
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6) NIV
Godly wisdom, like salvation, love, forgiveness, and grace are from Him- we cannot earn them, develop them, or gain them with experience. He gives them to us, if we are humble and willing to simply ask.
What about you? Is it hard to admit you need God’s wisdom to lead your family, honor your responsibilities, conduct your business ethically, or manage (steward) the resources He has given you?
It’s okay if you feel a bit childlike asking…in fact, that is a GREAT way to make your heart ready for His wisdom. It is how we begin growing and experiencing the peace and blessings of being on the right path in life. And it simply begins at the heart.
A prayer you can pray for wisdom today:
Heavenly Father,
You are wise and all-knowing, and you take great pleasure in giving us what we need and showing us Your way. I humbly ask for wisdom today as I confess that I, like a child, do not know every detail of circumstances I face or what the future holds. Please give me the wisdom I need as I (work, teach, lead, make decisions, whatever the need is) and I will trust in your wisdom above my own understanding. Thank you for your generosity and kindness! In Jesus’ name I ask this, Amen!
