“The art of choosing well is the habit of noticing what aligns with your deepest values.” – Harper Lin

“Pray for the gift of discernment, for without it we are blind in a world full of illusions.” – St. Ignatius of Loyola

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5 CSB

If you were given the opportunity to be granted one wish, what would you wish for?  Would it be to get out of debt, own a brand-new home, or the time and resources to travel the world?  Would you wish for the healing of a loved one or a special blessing for your children?  How about instantly becoming famous – being admired and adored by everyone throughout the world? 

King Solomon faced this same question.  God appeared to him one night and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (2 Chronicles 1:7)

Solomon’s answer was filled with insight.  He replied, “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (2 Chronicles 1:10)

I love God’s reply to Solomon:

“Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, riches, or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you.  And I will also give you wealth, riches and honor such as no king who was before you ever had and none will have after you.” – 2 Chronicles 1: 11-12) NIV

God not only gave Solomon his wish but provided for all the rest!  God knew if Solomon possessed great wisdom and knowledge, he would look at his wealth, riches, and honor in the proper perspective.  In the same way, Solomon’s wisdom would help him to see God in the proper perspective!

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom….”  – Psalm 111:10 NIV

Take some time right now to think about the issues and obstacles you’re currently facing.  Think if you had the wisdom to make better health choices or wisdom to follow the best medical advice?  How about financial wisdom to make the correct investments, wisdom at work that improved your job performance, parental wisdom to raise healthy, happy children, or the wisdom to embrace the right people and relationships?

When you think about it, wisdom and knowledge are the essential attributes to any success. It’s the key ingredient to overcoming any hardship – the key factor in facing any difficulty or tough decision.  The Bible says, “Wisdom is the principle thing.” (Proverbs 4:7 NKJ) “Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do!” (Proverbs 4:7 NLT)

Where does wisdom come from and how can we begin to acquire it?  It all starts with a reverential fear of God. Wisdom begins to take root in our life when we seek God’s presence, His sovereignty, and His principles within the circumstances we face.

“And if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as a hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.  For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.”  – Proverbs 2: 3-6 NIV

“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.  She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.  Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor.  Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace.  She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.”   – Proverbs 3:13-18 NIV

So, let’s ask the question again: If you were granted one wish, what would you wish for?

I hope your answer is wisdom, and the beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.  It starts by developing a relationship with Him, spending time with Him, and learning more about Him.  It is through the planted seed of a relationship with God that wisdom begins to sprout and grow in our lives.

I can testify to this first-hand.  In my own life, when I’ve spent time in prayer with God or taken the time to study His Word, it caused me to look at the issues I faced in a different way.  I saw God’s sovereign Hand in each circumstance and event.  I was given new insights to help me face my problems.  I had an indescribable peace – knowing that God would provide me with the wisdom and guidance I needed at the appropriate time.

“This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it – the Lord is his name:  Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”   – Jeremiah 33:2-3 NIV

Today as you face your own set of troubles and issues, I pray that you see the power behind wisdom.  I hope you connect its origin with a reverential fear and respect for the Lord – a God who gives us wisdom generously, without any prejudice, to all who ask.

God bless!