Why You Need Wisdom

Daily Devotional – Sunday, June 4, 2023
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5 (NKJV)

According to Cambridge Dictionary, wisdom is “the ability to use your knowledge and experience to make good decisions and judgments.” Wisdom is a higher concept than mere knowledge or academic exposure. Indeed, there are many individuals without formal training who are sagacious. From spiritual and temporal perspectives, there are several reasons why you need wisdom.

Decisions We Make

Because you make decisions every day, you need sagacity. There are both simple and complex decisions but all of them have implications hence the need for prudence. For example, choosing what to wear may not be as complex as choosing a career but both decisions will impact how you feel about yourself and how you relate to others.

Secondly, you need wisdom because you are a finite human being with many limitations. Left to your own designs, you are likely to make unwise decisions. As humans, we may also be gullible and naïve, and crafty people may take advantage of us. Consequently, we need to have both the normal and the bigger picture of an issue before we make choices.

Effects of Wisdom or Lack of It

Thirdly, wisdom is necessary because your decisions affect a lot of people, not just yourself. For example, decisions by political leaders determine the economic, social and political realities of citizens. Often, civil or international conflicts are a product of unwise choices by politicians, yet it is the common man who bears the brunt.

Fourthly, you need wisdom because life is not always black and white. Often, you will be in situations where a compromise makes more sense than choosing the extremes. Being able to strike the right balance demands wisdom, not just a knowledge of the facts.

Wisdom Before Judgement

In addition, wisdom is a desirable trait because God will judge you for the decisions you make. As Solomon asserts, “God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14). God gave you freedom of choice and expects you to use it responsibly. How critical, then, is it that you possess this special gift?

From the foregoing, it is evident that the quality of our lives today and hereafter depends on applying wisdom when making decisions. You may be asking, “How can I make wise decisions? What is the source of wisdom?” Incidentally, you can acquire wisdom for all circumstances by following a simple instruction.

If Any of You Lacks Wisdom…

James provides the answer when he writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5). God is the source of the wisdom you need to make decisions that benefit you and those around you, and which please God, the Giver.

Moreover, wisdom is a gift that God offers on a simple condition – prayer. God is willing to give us this precious gift more than we think we need it. Prayer is the key that opens the storehouse of divine wisdom. Can you make wrong decisions if the Omniscient God is your guide? If you trust the One who knows tomorrow, will your choices not bring you joy and fulfilment?

Now that you know why you need wisdom and where to get it, determine to tap into the Divine Mind every day. Spend time with God inside the Bible and through prayer. When God speaks to you, follow His voice. Do His will. You will be amazed at how wise, effective and productive you will become. The most critical tool in decision making is just a prayer away.

Prayer
Dear God, give me wisdom.