August 31 | Philippians 3:12-14, James 1:5

Elaine Pierce
Aug 31, 2025
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

I want Wisdom and I want it Now!!

By Elaine Pierce

I'm sure you're familiar with the story of how King Solomon asks the Lord for wisdom, in particular he asks "for a discerning heart, to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. (I Kings 3:9). ".The Lord is pleased to grant this request, and shortly after that, Solomon has the opportunity to use this gift. Two women are fighting over who is the mother of one baby. Obviously, one is lying. Solomon orders the baby to be cut in half, so each can have a part. The real mother, filled with compassion for her baby, cries out "Please, my Lord, give her the living baby! Don't kill him!" (I Kings 3:26). It's obvious that she is the real mom, and Solomon orders her baby to be restored to her.

The news of Solomon's wisdom spreads throughout Israel, and the people "held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice. (I Kings 3:28)."

How did Solomon receive godly wisdom? He asked for it. He recognized that true wisdom only comes from God. Today's verse in James reminds us that God will give "generously to all without finding fault." It almost seems too simple, doesn't it? But by asking God for wisdom, we recognize that he is the source of all wisdom and truth - it doesn't come from us. Godly wisdom doesn't mean we get our own way. Godly wisdom doesn't mean we manipulate people or circumstances to our own ends. Godly wisdom, as James describes in the third chapter of his short book, comes from heaven:

The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:17-18).

I want that kind of wisdom, and I'm guessing you do, too. Let's start by acknowledging God as the source of goodness, truth, beauty and wisdom. Let's ask him with a humble heart, and let's look for opportunities to practice building our wisdom muscles. Day by day, with each decision, big and small, he will lead us, guide us, and grow our faith. And when we see others exhibit Godly wisdom, let's thank them. The body of Christ is a great place to encourage others in our faith journey.

PRAYER

Lord, I want the kind of wisdom that Solomon had. I come to you and confess that so often, I just want my own way, and I don't take the time to reflect and ask you for guidance. Help me today and each day to wait on you and look for opportunities to grow in wisdom, faith and knowledge. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!