The wisdom God gives
“For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”Proverbs 2:6
Reflection
How many times have you wished for a manual for life? A clear list of what to do in every decision: accept or refuse that offer, speak or stay silent, keep pushing or let go. Solomon, the man to whom God gave extraordinary wisdom, sums up the source of everything in one sentence: "the LORD giveth wisdom". It is not something we manufacture on our own, nor a cleverness learned only with the years. It is a gift that comes from Someone, and so it can be asked for.
The verse uses three words that complete one another: wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Knowledge is having the right information. Understanding is seeing how the pieces fit together. Wisdom is knowing what to do with it all, in the moment when the decision weighs heavy. Many people have knowledge in abundance and little wisdom. And the text says all three come "out of his mouth". That points to a Word we can hear, to a God who speaks, and not to a silent God who leaves us guessing.
It is worth reading the verse inside its chapter. Just before, the writer says we should seek wisdom as we would silver and search for it as for hidden treasure. In other words, it is given, but not handed to someone who has no interest. God rewards hunger. The invitation is clear: ask, search, dig. And the promise of other passages in the Bible confirms that He gives "to all men liberally", without shaming the one who asks, without charging interest to the one who admits they do not know.
If today you face a decision you cannot see through, begin with the simplest and wisest request: "Lord, give me wisdom". Then open the Word, talk with people who are mature in the faith, and take one step at a time, without rushing. Whoever asks God for wisdom does not have to pretend to know already. And the God who gives it is not stingy: He loves to see His children walking with clarity.
Prayer
Lord, I need Your wisdom. There are decisions before me that I cannot see through alone. Give me knowledge, understanding and, above all, wisdom to act. Teach me to hear Your voice in Your Word and not to run ahead of You. Thank You that You give generously. Amen.
Put it into practice
Write on a sheet of paper the decision you have been putting off and, beneath it, this request: "Lord, give me wisdom". Read a chapter of Proverbs today and underline whatever speaks to your case. Then talk with someone experienced in the faith before you decide.
To reflect on
In which decision have you been relying only on your own cleverness, instead of asking for and seeking the wisdom that comes from the Lord?
Bible text: King James Version (public domain).