What is Godly Wisdom? How to Gain Wisdom for Guidance and Decision Making
Do you wonder what is Godly wisdom and how it differs from knowledge? Does it feel like everyone else has more wisdom than you? No worries, everyone can gain Godly wisdom because God distributes it equally when we ask.
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
James 1:5 NLT
My son is a whiz at chess and trivia games. His brain functions like a computer filled with math, science, and other random facts.
On the other hand, I love English and writing which isn’t very helpful when playing strategy games.
I am still working toward a win against my son!
But I’ve learned IQ does not measure Godly wisdom. Our generous God gives spiritual wisdom equally.
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”
James 3:17 NLT
What is Godly Wisdom?
What is Godly wisdom? It is knowing and applying truth from a Godly perspective that helps us reflect the character of Christ.
Knowledge is gained by sitting with facts and figures. We gain Godly wisdom by sitting with Jesus; it is a gift received by asking, surrendering, and trusting God.
Wisdom grows through an intimate relationship with Jesus, prayer, reading scripture, overcoming obstacles, and wise friends.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
“Godly wisdom is the kind of wisdom that comes from the very heart of God, who is all-wise.”
Godly wisdom gives us the strength to break strongholds and live free.
Godly Wisdom for Decision Making
How does Godly wisdom play out in our day-to-day lives? Our wisdom is activated during decision-making.
Walking in wisdom prepares us to make spiritually informed decisions; not perfect decisions but ones aligned with God’s will.
Because we often have multiple good options, it is helpful to let Godly wisdom take action and lead us toward the best choice for us at the time.
If you are at a crossroads pray for wisdom; God can lead you toward the path covered in peace.
I’ve learned that spiritually informed decisions do not guarantee success or prevent mistakes but gaining wisdom develops trust, a deep connection with God, and increased confidence in our choices.
What Does the Bible Say about Godly Wisdom?
Many wise Biblical characters did not experience worldly success.
Remember Stephen who was described as full of love and wisdom yet stoned to death.
“None of them could stand against the wisdom and the Spirit with which Stephen spoke.”
Acts 6:10 NLT
Remember Job who was described as wise and righteous but lost everything.
“I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.”
Job 1:21-22
God is not interested if we are winning in life. Godly wisdom helps us live at peace and be faithful to God so we reflect His love through our lives.
“I do not pray for success. I ask for faithfulness.”
Mother Teresa
Ultimately wisdom builds our life on the solid rock of Christ instead of the shaky ground of chance, indecision, or discouragement.
A life built on the solid foundation of Godly wisdom provides a compass to guide us and withstand storms while inspiring others.
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.”
Matthew 7:24 NLT
Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly.
Proverbs 3:13-18 NLT
A Prayer for Godly Wisdom
Dear Lord,
I desire to grow in Your wisdom. Help me build my life on the rock of Your wisdom so I can make spiritually informed decisions and withstand the storms of life.
Thank you for answering my prayer for wisdom and guidance.
May Your wisdom strengthen my spirit and draw me closer to You.
Amen
This devotional was published as part of the Daybreak Devotional Series on Crossmap.com.
Author
Mary Rooney Armand
Mary is the creator and writer for the faith-based blog ButterflyLiving.org. Her writing is featured on multiple websites and she is the author of the book, “Identity, Understanding, and Accepting Who I am in Christ” and Life Changing Stories, a devotional collection, available on Amazon.
