I'm Not Sure

I'm re-reading James 1. Had recommended that as a starting-place for a new believer who's never really read the Bible before, and I wanted to hear it again myself before talking about what he got from it.

One of my favorite verses is in that chapter: "If any man lack wisdom..." I certainly know that's me. But I can still remember when the full import...the operative reality...of that verse hit me 10 or 15 years ago: and I did what James said.

One time when our men's group was studying James, I asked the guys if they'd ever asked God for wisdom. They all said they had, of course. But as we talked about it, it became clear they meant they'd asked God for wisdom in some particular circumstance. It struck me at the time that that was true and good, as far as it went: but that my understanding of the verse was somewhat different.

I put it aside to think about, like other somewhat-differences I note between my own thinking and other believers'.

Maybe I have a handle on it now...maybe not. But I understand James to mean we can ask God for wisdom as a lifestyle (an over-worked word, but the right one here). That's not to say prayer for circumstantial wisdom is at all inapplicable, or any kind of error. It's also not to say that it's either/or: even those who pray for a life of wisdom doubtless have circumstances arise which require particular prayer.

So where does the shade or increment of difference lie ? Prayer for circumstantial wisdom is as obedient to the scripture as prayer for a wise life: and I don't doubt, as fully honored by God. Yet there is something greater in God's pleasure with Solomon's asking for wisdom: and I understand Solomon was asking for wisdom in all that God had given him, more than to act wisely in a particular circumstance (I Chronicles 1:10-12).

I'm not sure: but perhaps God's greater pleasure is in Solomon's trusting Him for more: for all time, rather than one time. That seems to accord with James' words regards wisdom: that God gives generously to any who ask Him without doubting. It makes sense to me that His pleasure, and His generosity, is greater when we trust Him, act-in-belief toward Him, for all things. The latter is how I understand Jesus' Own walk, and His teaching...the Kingdom of God.