Wisdom Given Liberally
By H. A. St. John
"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." James 1: 5. Wonderful promise, and so important and precious, to be granted on the simple condition of faith! God is infinitely wise. He is the all-wise God. He knows just what is best for us in all places, and in all things. He is lovingly and deeply interested in us, and it gives Him great pleasure to give needed wisdom to those who love and serve Him. Heavenly wisdom is more precious than rubies. We may get many things without this wisdom, but all will be lost at last, if only the wisdom of men, which is foolishness with God, has prompted our getting. Wisdom means more than simple knowledge. It includes discernment and discretion. O, how much we need continually to know how to say the right thing, at the right time, in the right manner, and in the right place, and to do the right thing, at the right time, in the right way, and in the right place! Only with the Lord's help can we know how to please Him in all things. The Lord always knows what is for our best and highest good, and also for His glory. And if we are always in that place where He can guide us, He will establish all our thinking, saying, and doing, that none of our steps shall slide. He will cause all things to work together for our good and His glory. Then why should we go through this world continually stumbling, and traveling in crooked and forbidden paths, when our loving Father above is so ready and willing to guide us in the straight path, that will lead us to Himself and to eternal glory? O, pray earnestly, sincerely, and in faith, for heavenly wisdom to guide in loving obedience to God in all things! then you will be a blessing to yourself and to all around you. Your light will so shine that others, seeing your good works, will be led to glorify God. You will gather with Christ, instead of scattering abroad. Then, in the end, you will hear the blessed words, "Well done," and enter into the eternal joys of Christ. H. A. St. John.