The Gift of Wisdom

Scripture — James 1:5 (NRSV)

If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.

Devotion

Are you lacking in wisdom?

I realize that could seem like a rather rude, in-your-face sort of question, the kind of question that really seeks to make the point, “You are lacking in wisdom.” But, honestly, I’m asking this question simply and without implied criticism. So I’ll ask it again, “Are you lacking in wisdom?”

I expect that readers of this Life for Leaders devotion would answer this question in a wide variety of ways. Some might think, “Well, I do have wisdom for some things, but not for others.” Some readers might feel more confident, “All in all, I guess I’m pretty wise.” Still others might recognize just now how much they are lacking in wisdom. If you’re struggling with a tricky situation at work or if you’re perplexed about how to raise your teenager, you might feel strongly your lack of wisdom.

My answer to the “Are you lacking in wisdom?” question falls in the “mixed bag” answer column. There are times when I’m able to see important things that others miss, or suggest a way forward that has great potential. These would be expressions of apparent wisdom. Yet, at other times, especially when I’m faced with a wide variety of reasonable options, I find that I am less confident about my ability to make a wise decision than I was a couple of decades ago. I wonder if growth in wisdom actually leads to an awareness of how much wisdom we lack.

If you recognize that you are lacking in wisdom, at least in some situation of life or leadership, then the New Testament letter of James has good news for you: “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you” (1:5). If you don’t have the wisdom you need, this passage of Scripture promises that “it will be given you.” This is certainly good news.

It’s also news that stirs up questions in our minds and hearts. We may wonder how we can get wisdom. We might be unclear about exactly what wisdom is and why we need it. Moreover, we would do well to be curious about the role God plays when it comes to our acquisition of wisdom.

Today’s devotion is the first in a Life for Leaders series I’m calling The Gift of Wisdom. Over the next several weeks I want to reflect with you on what Scripture teaches about wisdom. I will address questions like: How can we get wisdom? What is wisdom? What is God’s role when it comes to getting and growing in wisdom?

I want to conclude today’s devotion by drawing our attention to a couple of core truths found in James 1:5. First, of all, this verse reveals that wisdom is something that is given to us. Wisdom is a gift from God. Now, that’s not to say that we don’t play a part in the development of wisdom. I believe we do. But our part depends on God’s part. Our acquisition of wisdom depends on God’s generous giving.

Importantly, James does not say, “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, devote yourself to getting it.” The recommended action step isn’t to read philosophy, hang out with wise elders, or even study the Bible. These can surely contribute to growth in wisdom. But, since wisdom is a gift from God, James urges us to “ask God” for it. Prayer is the action step commended in James 1:5.

We pray for wisdom because we understand that true wisdom comes from God. Moreover, we pray because we know that God hears and responds to our prayers . . . though not always according to our preferences or timetables. James underscores the fact that God “gives to all generously and ungrudgingly” (1:5). God is willing, able, and eager to give wisdom to those who ask with honesty and humility.

I began this devotion with a question, “Are you lacking in wisdom?” It seems to me likely that you have answered this question affirmatively, even if in a somewhat nuanced way. As you think about your leadership, I expect you’re facing challenges for which there are not easy answers. You need wisdom. As you consider how to improve a difficult relationship in your workplace, you need wisdom. As you reflect on challenges in your family, perhaps working out disagreements in your marriage or caring for an aging parent, you need wisdom. As you wonder about how you can seek God’s justice and righteousness in the public sphere, you need wisdom.

God’s wisdom can help with all of these situations and infinitely more. It isn’t just for “religious” things. God’s wisdom can empower you in all the roles and responsibilities of your life. If that sounds good to you, then do as James 1:5 says and “ask God.” The God who gives generously and ungrudgingly will share divine wisdom with you and help you to become wise.

Find all Life for Leaders devotions here. Explore what the Bible has to say about work at the unique website of our partners, the Theology of Work Project. Reflection on today’s Life for Leaders theme can be found here: Perseverance, Wisdom, and Spiritual Growth (James 1:1–5)
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