Need Wisdom? - by Stephen Blankenship
Verse of the Month Scripture Reference: James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” — James 1:5 (ESV)
Do you need wisdom? Look no further! James begins his writing with pointing us to the source of wisdom.
Throughout the entire Bible, scripture emphasizes the importance of wisdom and its understanding of where wisdom comes from. For example, Proverbs 2:6 also points us to the source of wisdom.
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” - Proverbs 2:6
God is the only true source of lasting wisdom. His Word reveled to us by the Holy Spirit gives us insight into that wisdom.
Job understood the source of wisdom, in Job 28:28, he says,
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Job 28:28
The scripture verse in James 1:5 reveals to us three important things:
•Wisdom is available to us—we simply need to recognize our need for wisdom and from whom wisdom can be found.
•God is generous—This verse reveals the generous loving nature of God’s character. He will not look down upon us for seeking out and requesting wisdom.
•It will be given—God is ready to provide for us the wisdom we need if we can only come to a point where we recognize that we need His wisdom.
So, what does that mean for us?
Are you facing a decision you don't know how to handle?
Life is full of moments when we hit a wall: a difficult choice, a painful situation, or an unexpected challenge. In those times, we often say, “I just don’t know what to do.”
That’s exactly when James 1:5 becomes a lifeline.
Let’s break it down to discover the power and promise in this short verse.
1. "If any of you lacks wisdom"
This speaks to every one of us. At some point, we’ll all face questions or struggles that require more than intellect—we need Godly Wisdom, the ability to see things from God's perspective and act accordingly.
2. "Let him ask God"
God invites us to ask. Not beg, not earn—just simply come to Him and ask. Wisdom is not something we drum up within ourselves; it’s something we receive through prayer and dependence on the Lord.
3. "Who gives generously to all without reproach"
God isn’t stingy. He doesn’t scold or shame us for not having all the answers. Instead, He is Generous, He gives freely and lovingly, like a good Father.
4. "And it will be given him"
This is a promise, not a “maybe”, not a “might”. No, on the contrary, if you ask sincerely, in faith (as the next verse in James 1 explains), God will give you the wisdom you need.
Look at it like this…
Imagine a young man named Daniel, who just started a job as an apprentice carpenter. He’s enthusiastic, eager to learn, but still very new to the work. One day, he’s given a task to install cabinets in a client’s kitchen—all on his own.
As he opens the blueprints, he realizes he’s not sure exactly how some of the woodwork is mounted and connects together. The blueprints look confusing. He feels stuck and anxious—he lacks the wisdom to do it correctly.
He has two choices:
•He can guess his way through it, risk making mistakes, and possibly damage the cabinets.
•Or… he can go to the master carpenter in the next room and ask for help.
Daniel swallows his pride and asks. The master smiles, walks in, and patiently shows him how to read the plans and install the cabinets correctly. He doesn’t scold Daniel or make him feel foolish—instead, he gladly shares his experience, his knowledge, his wisdom, giving him all the guidance, he needs.
You and I are like Daniel. Life hands us “blueprints” we don’t fully understand—relationships, decisions, challenges.
God is the Master Carpenter.
He doesn’t expect us to figure it all out on our own.
He invites us to come to Him—to ask for wisdom.
And just like in James 1:5, He doesn’t criticize us for asking. He gives generously, with patience and love.
•Where are you seeking wisdom?
•When there is a decision to be made do, you seek the Lord’s wisdom?
•Have you taken your current dilemma to God in prayer?
•Do you believe He wants to guide you and not condemn you?
•Are you willing to wait and listen for His wisdom, even if it looks different from your own?
Seeking the Lord’s Wisdom can start by seeking the Lord.
Lord, I confess that I don’t have all the answers. I need Your wisdom in this moment. Help me to trust You, to seek you, to ask boldly in faith, believing, and to receive what You give. Teach me to walk in Your ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
— James 1:5 (ESV)
At Glory Fellowship James 1:5 is our corporate scripture memory verse of the month.
This has been a Verse of the Month (VOM) Quicktake. #vomquicktake #vom #wisdom