“ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 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. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways” (James 1:5-8 ESV).

Wisdom comes from God. James said that he shares it generously with those who ask for it in faith. But James didn’t tell us how God gives wisdom to those who ask. Some have thought that perhaps God does it in some sort of mysterious or even miraculous way. That, however, is not the way the Scriptures portray it. Obtaining wisdom is much like obtaining anything else we ask God for. The Lord told us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11 ESV). But what happens? Does it come down like manna from heaven? Of course not. We go out and use the abilities and take advantage of the opportunities God has given us providentially.

The same is true with respect to wisdom. Wisdom is not obtained by some miraculous workings. Wisdom is something that is obtained by those who truly search for it. God may providentially provide the circumstances, the events, and the atmosphere needed for us to obtain wisdom, but he doesn’t miraculously give it to us.

Wisdom is learned. In fact, Solomon said that he wrote proverbs so that people would be able to “² know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, ³ to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity” (Proverbs 1:2-3 ESV).  Later on in that same chapter, Solomon personified wisdom—he spoke as though wisdom itself was speaking as a person. Wisdom says, “If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you” (Proverbs 1:23 ESV). And again, “you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof (Proverbs  1:25 ESV).

Wisdom is something to be known. It involves words, counsel, and reproof. Do you want to know where you can find words of wisdom? “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6 ESV). Wisdom comes from the word of God!

Do you want to be wise? Ask God for wisdom. But then apply yourself to understanding what he’s revealed in his word. If you do that, James said that the Lord will give you wisdom you seek.