
LET HIM ASK
Proverbs 3:5-6, James 1:5
19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: —Deuteronomy 30:19 (KJV - King James Version)
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. —James 1:5 (NASB - New American Standard Bible)
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. —Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV - King James Version)
The Struggle Between Our Wisdom and God’s Wisdom
We live in a world that constantly tells us to trust in our own instincts, to follow our heart, and to rely on our understanding to make decisions.
When we lean on our own understanding…
When we lean on our own understanding, it feels comfortable because we’re in control, but when we rely on God, we step into the unknown.
This tension—the pull between our natural understanding and God’s wisdom—leaves us asking: can we truly trust His guidance in every decision?
Self-Reliance vs. God-Dependence
The difference between trusting in our own understanding (self-reliance) versus leaning on God’s wisdom and direction (God-dependence).
What happens when we don’t acknowledge God in ALL OF OUR WAYS?
Imagine you’re deep in a forest where every direction looks the same, paths twist and turn, and it’s easy to get lost.
Our own understanding is like guessing which way to go, relying only on what we can see immediately around us.
But God’s wisdom is like a compass and map that show us the true path forward.
When we trust in God’s guidance rather than our limited view, we’re led safely through the forest to our destination, even when we don’t see the way ourselves.
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust God’s Wisdom
Proverbs 3:5-6 is one of the most quoted verses in the Bible for a reason:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”
We need to Follow His Footsteps, Forsake Foolishness, Find Faithful Guidance.
This passage reminds us that true wisdom comes not from ourselves but from God.
Trust, Turn, and Tread the True Path
To “lean not on our own understanding” means surrendering our natural impulses and opinions and placing our confidence in God’s divine insight.
It’s acknowledging that God’s way is higher than ours, even when we don’t understand it.
When you don’t know which way to go,
Trust in God, His wisdom shows.
Lean not on what you understand;
He’ll guide your steps, hold your hand.
Seek and Apply God’s Wisdom
So, how do we seek this wisdom?
First, we turn to God’s Word.
Second, we seek wise counsel.
Proverbs 11:14 reminds us, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
Finally, we pray specifically for discernment.
James 1:5 tells us that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God, who gives generously.
Let’s bring this idea of seeking God’s wisdom into real life.
For each of us, seeking God’s wisdom can bring clarity and peace that our decisions aren’t just based on our limited view but on God’s infinite knowledge and love for us.
This week, try starting each day by asking God for wisdom in one specific area and look for ways He might be guiding you in response.
Every day, we face choices, both big and small, where we can either lean on our own understanding or trust God’s wisdom.
WHERE DO YOU NEED GOD’S WISDOM IN YOUR LIFE TODAY?
What decisions do you need to consult God about right now?
LET HIM ASK - God gives to all men liberally!!