SO YOU'RE A WISE GUY?

James 1:5

Who needs wisdom?

Take a minute to ponder this question. Do you have all the wisdom that you will need to handle any situation that could arise in your lifetime? If we answer this in all honesty, we would all have to admit that we couldn't possibly have the wisdom now that we will need for the rest of our lives! So, how can we be sure that we will have the wisdom when we need it, so we will make the right decisions? Is it possible that you may have an important decision to make right now, as you are reading this Daily Light post today?


Now let's ask ourselves this, "Do you understand why we sometimes lack the wisdom that we need in order to make the proper decisions and choices for your life and your family"? I know that is allot to think about all at once and I really just wanted you to take a minute to think about this predicament of decision making without possessing true wisdom. We often find it much easier to just ignore this crucial missing link to making decisions wisely! This can effect the outcome greatly concerning some of the most important decisions of our lives. The choices made out of ignorance often lead to regret and emotional injury and those injuries take a long time to heal. Then why do we still make these kind of decisions when we know the risk of injury to follow?

Many times we'll tell ourselves that we just don't have the time to find out everything we need to make an informed decision. So we act in haste and bulldoze our way through life, leaving casualties all along the way or paying highly with the loss of friends and relationships. Does this describe you or someone you know? Most of us know someone else like this, but today we all need to stop and take a look at ourselves. We all are just as capable of this as the next guy.
Sometimes our decisions are made out of ignorance because we are just too stubborn to let anyone else offer you any helpful advice. Has anyone ever shared a reference with you and you just brushed it off like a piece of lent; acting s if it was an annoyance to you that they even offered to help. This stubbornness stems back to pride and pride is a characteristic that takes us down every time, as Jesus taught His disciples this throughout the Word of God. Is it wrong for us to ignore this teaching? Of course it is, but it could be that we often feel that we have no other choice but to move ahead ignorantly because we don't have time or resources at our fingertips.

Let's look at what a writer who was inspired by God wrote about this very need that we all face when we are making these critical decisions.

James 1:5 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.

Can it really be this simple brothers and sisters? James speaks from experience. James was called a "pillar" of the church at Jerusalem by Paul.(Galatians 2:9) He must have had times when he felt that he lacked the wisdom he needed, but he knew where he could turn for help. Let's look a little more in depth at what James is teaching the scattered followers of Christ in this passage. He says first of all without any judgement or piety, "If any man lack wisdom"; and that's going to include every man, isn't it? So James didn't specify any nationality, religious group, occupation, class or race. Next he said, "let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally". The Greek for the word "liberally" used in this passage is "haplōs" and it literally means "bountifully". So we are to ask for wisdom and God will give us wisdom bountifully!

With James spiritual strength and being a follower of Jesus, he would know firsthand just how much God would give when we ask! As if that wasn't enough, James followed that great news with this,"and upbraideth not; and it will be given him.". That should excite everyone to know that all we have to do is ask and it WILL be given to us! But look at this small added piece of detail that James added in his statement,"upbraideth not". "And God upbraideth not." Why did he include such a statement in between telling us to ask and telling us that we will receive?

The word "upbraideth" in the Greek is "oneidezō" and is pronounced on-i-did'-zo. This Greek word literally means to defame, that is, rail at, chide, taunt ; also (suffer) reproach, revile or upbraid. Have you ever felt that maybe God would look at you in disbelief if you dare to ask Him for direction with a situation? Have you ever been too embarassed to ask God about a decision in your life?

Believe me when I tell you that you should NEVER EVER feel like God will embarass you for your requesting His help you brothers and sisters! Our God loves us so and cares for our every need. That is our assurance today! Ask and you will receive bountifully from a God who will never embarrass you or give you a hard time!

With our Lord God of Abraham,Isaac and Isreal, the only silly or embarassing question you may have is the question that you didn't ask God!

If any man lacks Wisdom, let him ask of God....James 1:5