Everyday each of us is faced with making decisions. It’s been said, “We make our decisions and then our decisions make us.” The quality of of our lives will literally be determined by the kind of decisions we make. The problem is that because we’re human we all have a high probability for making dumb decisions. What we have to learn is how do we minimize that probability factor for making those dumb decisions. Life is full of decisions and we need to learn how to make decisions that are going to honor God no matter what age we are or where we are in our own spiritual journey. The book of James gives us insight with this problem and refers to the solution as obtaining wisdom.

Scriptures
Psalms 119:105; Proverbs 2:6, 4:7, 9:10, 11:2; James 1:5, 1:6, 1:8

Verse
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you.” James 1:5

Thought
The book of James is considered the book of wisdom in the New Testament like Proverbs is considered the book of wisdom in the Old Testament. Wisdom is different from knowledge. Wisdom is knowledge put into practice. Wisdom is trying to see life from a biblical point of view. Wisdom is trying to make decisions the way God would want us to make decisions. The Bible talks a lot about wisdom but all we seem to be interested in is knowledge. The world is impressed with knowledge because how much you know can mean a better job, more money or invitation to trivia nights. The world is impressed with knowledge but God is impressed with wisdom. Pride has a way of blocking wisdom in our lives because pride says I know it all anyway. One of the reasons why we never learn wisdom is we think we have it all together. To know you lack wisdom is the beginning of wisdom.

Questions
Is it hard for you to admit you need wisdom? When was the last time you said, “God, I don’t know what I’m to do in this situation so what do you want me to do?” If God promised to give you whatever you asked for, what would it be? Why would you agree with this statement: Probably the biggest reason we don’t have wisdom is because we don’t value it the way we value knowledge. Where do you need wisdom in your life today? What do you think is life’s greatest decision?

Response
Ask yourself this question, “What’s the big decision in my life that I need to make.” If you’re truly serious about this and you want wisdom in your life then take the practical steps James outlines. #1 Admit your need for wisdom. #2 Ask God for wisdom and then #3 Receive the wisdom God gives. If you haven’t already done so, prayerfully consider the wisest decision you’ll ever make in this life: to make Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior of your life.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that you told us in your Word that we could have wisdom if we would ask You for it. I want to make wise decisions in life when it comes to my marriage, my spouse, my children, my work and finances. Life can be so overwhelming at times and I know that getting more knowledge isn’t the answer. I need more of you and more of the wisdom that only you can give me. I admit my need for wisdom now and ask you for it and by faith accept that you will give it to me. In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen.