Written by Lisanka Martinez, volunteer for Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Venezuela
Every beginning of the year is an opportunity for a fresh start in our Christian life as well. We begin a new biblical year: projects for discipleship, planning activities in the congregation... We focus on praying for what we need to grow spiritually, and obviously, since wisdom is an essential part of that growth, it is always included as one of the first requests on prayer lists.
Let's see what the Bible tells us about it in two well-known verses:
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding
fault, and it will be given to you. (Jas 1:5 NIV)
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. (Pr 4:7)
As is well known, when James writes his letter to the 12 scattered churches who have been persecuted and are going through various trials because of their faith, he encourages them to find joy in that situation. He tells them in this way: they will obtain the patience that will perfect them. Without pointing to anyone in particular, he immediately gives them this valuable advice in a general way, addressed to all the recipients: "If any of you lacks wisdom...".
The wisdom to which he refers leads to knowing, understanding, discerning, clearly understanding, having good judgment, making the right decisions, and knowing how to apply and defend the truth in every situation. This was not advised to only a few— all the scattered Christians needed that wisdom— but how to acquire it?
This kind of wisdom can only come from God; only He, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are wise enough to give it. This is why James continues with the second part of this verse: "... you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." As we can see, This is a precious gift that we should ask for and long for in order to share His Word with others to honor, praise, and glorify Him.
As for the second verse, we know that Proverbs is the book of the Bible where many quotations and instructions concerning wisdom appear with the purpose of bringing us closer to God. In its opening chapters, Solomon counsels his sons to seek wisdom and recalls that he received this counsel from David, his father. In verse 7 of chapter 4, Solomon stresses the importance of acquiring that wisdom before anything else, which he tells them is the most important thing they can have— the most valuable possession above anything that man desires. Do you have an idea of the importance of asking, seeking, and acquiring that wisdom with God's help? It will enable us to know, understand, and obey His divine will.
So, knowing that acquiring wisdom has great relevance for our spiritual growth, what stops us from asking God for it first and dedicating ourselves with effort to seek it and acquire it? We should not have limitations or fear to ask for it as we have already learned.
Therefore, one way in which we must grow or flourish is by acquiring wisdom that comes from above. For this, we must eliminate the thorns of indecision, procrastination, and pride (believing that we are already wise because we have great knowledge of the Bible, we can quote many verses from memory, or we have spent time in theological studies). We also need to recognize that we need the help of someone as a sharpener in our lives to pray for wisdom, to practice as wise women in all aspects of our lives, and to remember that God wants us to ask Him so that He can give this wisdom to us without reproach.
Do you dare to practice being wise from now on with God's help? Let’s start by asking Him for wisdom.
