All you have to do is ask

The book of Proverbs makes the case that wisdom is readily available to anyone who seeks it. It's doesn't take a Ph.D. to become wise.  You don't have to have some unique spiritual gifting. 

Believe it or not, all you have to do is ask for it. James 1 says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you" (v5). 

That's it. Just ask. 

I'm amazed at how the Scriptures describe the accessibility of wisdom. It's not hidden away. It's out in the open for anyone to acquire. But if that is the case, why aren't more people overflowing with wisdom? 

Maybe it's because we're not asking for it.  

After encouraging his readers to ask for wisdom, the next thing James says is that when we ask, we have to believe and not doubt. He says, "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do" (1:6-8).

James picks up the theme of being double-minded later in his letter describing the double-minded person as one who pursues the things of this world while also trying to pursue God. He says it's not possible. 

So maybe the reason we're not growing in wisdom as we could is that we're more intrigued by what the world offers than what God offers. If wisdom is an attribute of God, it makes sense that we will only really receive it when we are wholeheartedly seeking Him. 

The interesting thing about the way that the Bible talks about wisdom is that when you get it, some of the by-products are happiness, financial stability, a fruitful life, good friends, and more. 

Proverbs 16:20 says, "Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord."

The things we hope to acquire in and from the world are actually found in God. That doesn't mean God will make all of your wildest dreams come true. Nor does it mean life won’t be challenging. But pursuing wisdom does bring joy and delight, even when life is difficult.

So, seek the Lord. Ask for His wisdom so that you can prosper in what you do.