We all want to be wise. We desire to know and do what is best. But how? Solomon tells us the process:1. Receive God's words and meditate upon His commands, written for us in the Bible. That requires time spent reading, studying, and thinking about the Bible. 2. Pray for wisdom. Beg God to show us His ways. Spend time crying out to God for insight. 3. Seek it; try to understand with our mind what is pleasing to God. Think about options; weigh the consequences of each possible choice. Deliberate. Ask others' opinions. 4. Be upright: Be committed to integrity. Decide to do what is right, regardless of the cost. Though God will always hear the cry of a penitent sinner who seeks His guidance (Psalm 25:8), wisdom will come more readily to those who try to follow His commands.
No Answer!
Many times the Bible states that God will answer those who call upon Him (Psalm 17:6;20:6; 38:15; etc.) But sometimes He does not answer (see Psalm 18:41; 22:2). Why?Here, Wisdom speaks for the Word of God. She calls out and invites us to learn from her. She counsels us to listen to her rebukes. Then she warns that if we don’t answer her call, she will not answer when we cry to her in trouble. God’s wisdom – found supremely in Jesus Christ – offers knowledge and life to all who will listen. But if we do not listen, then a time will come when prayer does no good. If we persistently refuse to follow God’s revealed will, we shall suffer. We shall “eat the fruit of [our] own way – we shall reap what we have sown. In vain shall we ask for guidance or mercy, for God will allow His moral law to take its course. As Jesus Himself said, the man who hears but does not heed His words is like someone who builds his house on sand. When the storms come, the house will fall (Matthew 7:24-27). O God, give me grace to hear You now, that You may hear me later, through Jesus Christ. Amen.