James 1:

5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given.

            God has given a spirit of wisdom to many in the Scriptures: Joshua, Solomon, and David to name a few. The wisdom spoken of here is “the knowledge and practice of the requisites for godly and upright living”[1]. It’s about His Kingdom, walking with Him His way, and honoring Him with your life.

            I know that God gave a spirit of wisdom to some instantly, like Solomon. But I also believe that wisdom comes as we walk the path God has placed before us. Nelson’s Bible Commentary defines wisdom as, “Insight on how to learn from one’s difficulties.”[2] When we go through various trials and situations seeing God at work and drawing from the gifts and abilities He has given us, we gain a new and wiser perspective…if we choose to. That’s called seasoning.

            Several years ago, I got involved in the Stephen Ministry at our church. This is a program that trains you to walk with others, one-on-one, as they are struggling through various events in their lives. I met the first lady I was assigned to at a coffee shop. She was going through a very difficult divorce. As we sat down, the first thing she said to me was, “Have you ever been divorced?” I said, “Yes.” “Good, then we can talk” she said. She wanted someone who had been there and understood the ins and outs of divorce. She wanted someone with Godly wisdom and understanding.

This is one way, I believe, that God gifts us wisdom. It is earned.

[1] Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, via Blue Letter Bible

[2] Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary, 1663