“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” James 3:17 NAS

Two of my favorite books in the Bible are the book of Proverbs and the book of James. When I was in my early 20’s and trying to make out what God’s plan might be for my life, I poured over the Bible in search of answers. My heart delighted when I read the words, ‘If anyone lack wisdom, let him as of God who gives to all freely and without rebuke.’ (James 1) Here it was, the answer to my longing! For I longed for my feet to gain some sort of traction in this life, that I no longer felt as if I were simply treading water from one day to the next. I longed for meaning. Purpose. Direction. Wisdom.

The book of Proverbs also spoke such practical wisdom and guidance, in those early years I am sure I read it every day. (There are 31 chapters in Proverbs so it is easily possible to read a chapter a day.) Recently, in this season where I am no longer young, I find myself in 2018 being drawn, once again to these two books. I have been delighted once again at what I am finding there.

First. God has all the wisdom. And it is GOOD wisdom. Wisdom that will build me and not tear me down. It is wisdom for all of life: our relationships, life decisions, our finances, or families. Our dreams. It is never too late to seek the Lord for His wonderful wisdom. He is looking for those who cry out for it passionately.

It says in Proverbs 2:2: Tune your ears to Wisdom, and incline your heart to understanding. This word, ‘to tune’ in the Hebrew is used when an animal in the forest hears the slightest sound, and he pricks up his ears and is at complete attention. What a wonderful picture. That the ears of our heart would be ever toward the Lord, so that in any circumstance, when He begins to ‘speak’ from that inner place, our hearts would prick up at attention, and listen. This is how we receive guidance that becomes a part of our life story, our testimony.

I am not surprised that John said that if all the deeds that Jesus did were written down, all the libraries in the world would not be sufficient to contain all the books. Likewise, if I were to chronicle from day one the times that inner Voice began to speak and I listened, and real wisdom was imparted for my benefit, all the libraries on earth could not contain my testimony.

Let us draw near to God, then, in full assurance of faith. Knowing, that in all things, He is for us. And in all things He is not without a plan. He always knows that way. We simply need to ask.

Ask Him, now, won’t you? He is waiting to pour in His wisdom.

~ Debbie Ecker