We all experience days when we wish we were wiser. How do I handle that tricky email at work? What should I do when my son keeps misbehaving? Whether it’s making decisions at work or dealing with personal trials, time and time again, we experience the pressing need for wisdom. 

So we read books, consult others, or take classes, hoping to gain some useful advice on how to manage our lives and relationships better. But while the acquired knowledge is helpful, often we still find something lacking. We need more than the wisdom the world offers; we need the wisdom only God provides.

Where can we find this wisdom? Scripture tells us that it begins with the “fear of the Lord” (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 1:7). To fear God is to revere and honor Him for His majesty and holiness. We can understand why acquiring wisdom begins here when we discover what true wisdom looks like. 

James 3:17 lists seven marks of the wisdom God provides: it’s pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. The wisdom that all believers in Jesus should seek is connected to Christlike character. It’s the fruit of someone who walks with God, choosing to live in an upright, obedient way. In short, it’s the result of someone who fears God. 

Do you want to navigate through life making decisions that will bring glory to God and benefit others? James says, “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” (James 1:5 NLT). Our generous God will help you fear Him so you may gain wisdom to live life beautifully for Him.

Poh Fang Chia, Our Daily Bread author

Our Daily Bread Ministries in Indonesia is supported by the freewill offering of individuals in Indonesia, who through their gifts enable us to continue to bring the life-changing wisdom of the Bible to many here. We are not funded by any church or organisation.

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