understanding

My phone alarm goes off every afternoon at 1:05, serving as my daily reminder to pray for wisdom. The idea came from Mark Wessner, MB Seminary President, who chose the time because of its closeness to James 1:5 which says, "If anyone lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all and without finding fault, and it will be given to you." 

As this Scripture outlines, the first step toward acquiring wisdom is to ask for it. This implies, of course, an attitude of humility and dependence because we only ask for things we value and that are beyond our grasp. Praying for wisdom is an honest confession that greater insight and perspective is needed before we can act with proper understanding. This earnest request shows reverence for God from whom wisdom flows.

The wisest people I know are the same people who continually ask God for wisdom. And yet, those who need wisdom the most are the ones who despise it (Proverbs 1:7). This contrast goes beyond irony―it is the distinguishing mark between the foolish and the wise. The wise look beyond themselves, but the eyes of the foolish see only themselves.

Prayer is the foundation of wisdom, but there are additional steps we can take as well:  

Study the Bible

Wisdom flows from God's character and represents His knowledge and understanding. We encounter wisdom whenever we encounter God. Reading, reciting, and meditating on God's Word allows us to soak in God's thoughts so His perspective becomes our own.

The author of Proverbs 8 chooses to personify wisdom as the person of Lady Wisdom*. She raises her voice over the streets and invites people to listen to her instructions. Her words hold more value than choice gold or rare jewels (vv. 10-11). The implication of Lady Wisdom's call is to listen attentively. We do this by reading God's Word because God is the source of all wisdom.