“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5)
Introduction
Wisdom is not the same as knowledge. Knowledge gathers facts; wisdom applies truth. Many know Scripture, yet few walk in its power. In Scripture, wisdom is God’s truth lived out in daily decisions, shaped by reverence for Him and obedience to His Word. In an age of confusion and deception, wisdom is not optional for the Christian—it is essential.
What wisdom is according to Scripture
Biblical wisdom begins with God, not man.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10)
Wisdom is rooted in a right view of God—His holiness, authority, and truth. It is the ability to see life as God sees it and to act accordingly. Wisdom is moral and spiritual, not merely practical.
True wisdom:
- Aligns with God’s Word
- Leads to righteous living
- Produces discernment between good and evil
- Results in peace, humility, and obedience
James describes wisdom from above as “pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits” (James 3:17). Wisdom reveals itself through character and conduct, not clever speech.
What wisdom is not
The Bible clearly warns that not all wisdom is from God.
“Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” (Romans 1:22)
Worldly wisdom often:
- Exalts human reasoning above God
- Justifies sin
- Glorifies self
- Rejects biblical authority
Paul declares that “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). Education, experience, and intelligence cannot replace godly wisdom. Without submission to Christ, human wisdom leads away from truth, not toward it.
Christ as the source and embodiment of wisdom
Wisdom is not merely a principle—it is found in a Person.
“But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom.” (1 Corinthians 1:30)
Jesus Christ perfectly reveals God’s wisdom. His teachings, life, death, and resurrection display the wisdom of God in full. To grow in wisdom is to grow in Christlikeness.
Those who walk closely with Christ will:
- Think more biblically
- Judge matters more clearly
- Respond to trials with faith
- Choose obedience over convenience
Separation from Christ results in spiritual blindness. Abiding in Him produces wisdom.
How the Christian can acquire wisdom
Ask God in faith
God is willing to give wisdom freely, but it must be sought humbly and believed confidently.
“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” (James 1:6)
Prayer is not optional. A prayerless Christian will remain spiritually immature.
Study and submit to Scripture
Wisdom grows as God’s Word shapes the mind and heart.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
Reading Scripture without obedience produces knowledge without wisdom. Application is essential.
Walk in obedience
Wisdom increases as truth is practiced.
“He that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them… I will liken him unto a wise man.” (Matthew 7:24)
Disobedience dulls spiritual understanding. Obedience sharpens it.
Receive godly instruction
“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14)
Wise believers listen, learn, and remain teachable.
Learn through trials
God often uses hardship to deepen wisdom.
“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” (James 1:3)
Trials refine discernment and deepen trust in God.
Wisdom in light of the last days
Scripture warns that deception will increase as the return of Christ draws near.
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:3)
In these days, wisdom guards the believer from false teaching, moral compromise, and spiritual drift. Those grounded in biblical wisdom will stand firm while others fall away.
Conclusion
Wisdom is God’s truth applied through a life surrendered to Him. It begins with reverence for the Lord, is revealed in Christ, and grows through prayer, Scripture, obedience, and humility. The Christian who seeks wisdom will walk securely, discern clearly, and live faithfully in a dark world. God still gives wisdom generously to those who ask—and those who obey.