James 1:5 If anyone is needing wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously – and it will be given to him.
I often meet with my older boys for men talks. My goal is to create a framework for them to become men of integrity. In addition to my family, there are friends who contact me to ask for advice. Recently, through my attempts to give good counsel to my family and friends, I recognized a pattern. As I am speaking, the Holy Spirit brings ideas to my mind – including verses I have read, wisdom I have heard, and concepts that just come together in the moment. Wisdom from above comes as I act on my desire to help those I love.
“If anyone needs wisdom, he should ask God…”. Asking God is more than simply praying. It is entering into these important conversations with humility, knowing that we may not have the right answers, but God does. Bringing wisdom isn’t merely giving answers, but asking good, honest questions as we realize the Holy Spirit is present to bring insight to all. I am amazed at the wisdom people can discover when asked honest questions.
Foolish advice is rarely offered by people who think they are unwise, but by those who are wise in their own eyes. Wisdom from above doesn’t come from people who think they have the answers, but from hearts of humility and faith: humility that they lack wisdom and faith that God will give His wisdom freely to those who ask. It is an act of faith when I sit with my boys becoming men and begin a dialogue on life, hoping to plant seeds of wisdom in their hearts. The world is in desperate need of God’s wisdom. We cannot give out the manna we heard yesterday. Rather, knowing our inadequacies, we must begin these conversations believing that Jesus will be with us to give us the living words of wisdom for this day. And, amazingly, He does!