James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Often I say things, which I regret later. Thinking back, I reflect on the stupidity of my words and wonder what could have compelled me to utter them. Maybe I was uncomfortable in a situation. Maybe I was trying to be funny. Maybe I was upset. Most likely, I simply was not thinking at all! Regardless of the reason, I had a tremendous lack of discernment in the moment, which was insensitive and may have hurt someone in the process. Not a very good example of Christian love, and it shames me.
So after a guilt-ridden time of self-examination, I go to God and ask for help. He leads me to James 1:5, and I hear this quiet inner voice prompting, “Why haven’t you asked Me for help?” Once again, I realize I have taken my eyes off Christ, and have foraged ahead on my own. I have forgotten to depend upon God. This awakening takes me to my knees where I ask God for His forgiveness and wisdom to make better choices in what I say and do.
The Bible tells me that the beginning of wisdom starts with “the fear of the Lord.” In the Hebrew language, the words yare and yirah indicate that “to fear, to respect, to reverence” can be positive qualities, indicating that I don’t need to shrink away from God because I am afraid of Him, but rather a deep reverence for God will draw me closer to the source of His unending well of wisdom. When I “fear the Lord,” my mind, heart, and soul are enabled to receive wisdom and understanding from His Word (Proverbs 9:10). God promises to give wisdom to anyone who seeks it, so if I want to be wise in my speech and actions, I must remember that I cannot attain it on my own; I must seek it from God.
Time to start building my house upon the Rock.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.” – Psalm 111:10
**********
Upon what is your spiritual house built?