Christian Foundations
DEVOTIONAL ARCHIVE
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
--James 3:17
There’s a story about a proud young man who came to the great philosopher Socrates seeking knowledge and wisdom.
Socrates immediately recognized that this young man was indeed pompous and arrogant. But the philosopher led the boy through the streets and into the sea until they were both chest deep in water.
Then Socrates asked him, “What do you want?”
“Wisdom and knowledge, O wise Socrates,” said the young man with a smile.
Socrates pushed the young man under the water and let him up thirty seconds later. He asked him again, “What do you want?”
“Wisdom and knowledge,” the young man choked out.
Again, Socrates shoved his head back under water and let him up forty seconds later. By this time the young man was gasping for air, and Socrates asked him, “Now tell me…what do you want, young man?”
Socrates and the young man went through a third round of this scenario. Finally, Socrates asked the young man what he wanted, and the boy screeched, “Air! I need air!”
The wise Socrates then said to him, “When you want wisdom and knowledge as you have just wanted air, then you will have it!”
Fortunately for believers, the Bible says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt…” (James 1:5-6).
If you need wisdom to discern truth, for financial confidence, or to determine God’s will for your life, then just ask in faith. Wisdom is given freely by God, and we can find His superior plan through the Bible and the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
PRAYER CHALLENGE: Ask the Lord for wisdom today, and rest assured that He will give it to you.
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