Bible Study

Title: Ask for It!
Date: May 19, 2006
Topic(s): Christian Living/Situational
Scripture: 1 Kings 3:5-10, James 3:13-18, James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6-8

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How often have you read or heard that "the experts say..." only to discover a week later that "the experts" were all wrong, or they couldn't agree or the wisdom they offered didn't make sense? And you wonder where you can find the wisdom you need for living. The answer is simple: Begin with God.

What Does God Say?

Real, working wisdom comes from God. That's why Solomon asked for it.

In 1 Kings 3:5-10, God offered Solomon whatever he wanted, and Solomon chose wisdom. Solomon said, "I am like a child who doesn't know his way around...Give me an understanding mind so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong" (1 Kings 3:7,9, NLT). And 1 Kings 3:10 tells us, "The Lord was pleased with Solomon's reply and was glad that he had asked for wisdom" (NLT).

Wisdom is more than knowledge; it's knowledge made practical, worked out in daily life to please and honor God. And like Solomon, you can ask for it. Look at James 1:5: "If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking" (NLT).

When you ask God, don't sit around waiting for a voice from heaven. Pick up your Bible and open it so that He can show you what He's already said.

My Thoughts

What does wisdom look like? Read James 3:13-18. In two columns, outline what wisdom is and what it isn't. Which do you think shows up more in your life right now?

Turn to Proverbs 2:6-8. In your own words, what does God offer with wisdom? What does He do for those who seek it from Him?

My Part

Pick one area where you need God's wisdom today. First, ask Him for it. You can even borrow Solomon's prayer if you need to.

Then use an on-line concordance or one in your Bible to look for what God has already said about that issue in His Word. You may need to search with various words or concepts but take the time to jot down verses and look them up.

Finally, commit yourself to putting wisdom to work in your life. Set a goal and take action based on what you've learned from God about your specific issue.

In addition, consider memorizing a section like Proverbs 2:6-8: "For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the path of justice and protects those who are faithful to him" (NLT). It's a great reminder to ask God for the wisdom you need.

Additional Scripture: Proverbs 1:7

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