In the movies there is a story line where the hero climbs to the top of a mountain, is broken, and then find enlightenment or understanding at the hands of mysterious monks. This wisdom provides the foundation for the rest of the movie. But in real life where is understanding and enlightenment found? The answer is easy. Wisdom is found in God who is the author of everything true.

Wise as King Solomon

Maybe the most famous example of a man attaining wisdom is King Solomon. And of course what is the source of this super power? God supplied the wisdom that King Solomon wanted. Solomon did not climb mountains or train with monks. He simply and reverently asked.

At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” 1 Kings 3:5 ESV

This is Foundational

Solomon asks for wisdom over power and money. It was a wise move because understanding God is the first principle of success in this life and God freely gives to those who ask.

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8 ESV

Wisdom vs Knowledge

Before we get into what lacking wisdom means we need to define and contrast it with knowledge. Knowledge can be looked at as book smarts. How well do we know something. Can you build a car? How much knowledge do you have of the inter workings of that car? Knowledge takes time and study to acquire. IQ makes men smart in their ability to grasp knowledge and details.

Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15:34 ESV

Works with Knowledge

Knowledge and wisdom are not inseparable. One might have knowledge of a subject but without understanding there can be no beneficial application of the information. Take for example the construction of the tabernacle in Exodus. God gives certain men the knowledge to make the tabernacle, God gives them wisdom to apply the knowledge, and God gives them the skill to build the tabernacle.

Then Moses said to the people of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah; 31 and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship, 32 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold and silver and bronze, 33 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, for work in every skilled craft. Exodus 35:30-33 ESV

Understand Human Nature

If knowledge is facts about a topic then wisdom is the application of knowledge in everyday life. One could be book smart on a topic but if there is no understanding then they will come to the wrong conclusions or apply the information in an evil way.

Let us go back to James and what he tells us. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” Whatever level of knowledge one has God supplies understanding needed for that situation. If you need a job to fly a plane then wisdom would say that you need to go to flight school to learn what is needed. If you have a job to fly a plane your knowledge level is high. But now you need understanding to govern your life with the right kind of sleep and not drinking too much because of the responsibility as pilot. You need wisdom to interact with people in the support operations of the plane because pilots must be leaders.

Wielding knowledge then really falls into a category of understanding human nature. Your own nature as a sinner and the nature of men in general who are sinners.

Books of Wisdom

James falls into the wisdom book category like Proverbs. Both of these books start with this foundation because this kind of understanding is foundational to serving God. I will go one step further and say that if you reject God you are rejecting wisdom itself.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 ESV

When to Ask for Understanding

In the intro to James he writes that we should “count it all joy” for the sufferings we might endure in this life because such challenges make us steadfast in the Lord. In the very next section James then tells the reader that if they don’t have the understanding to take on the challenges of life they should ask God for Wisdom. Solomon asked for understanding because he wanted to be a good King. He needed wisdom for the challenge ahead. That God gives freely the wisdom needed to live life wherever one is at. God will give you the mind you need to be steadfast. He gives it freely.

Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. Proverbs 1:20-23 ESV