This post is a sample lesson from my Bible journal class Discovering a Heart of Wisdom—a 31-lesson journey through Proverbs and beyond.
Each lesson in the class follows this same rich format—with personal reflection, deep verse unpacking, word studies, biblical examples, journaling prompts, and heartfelt prayer.
If you’re considering joining the class, this gives you a full peek inside the experience. Whether you're brand new or returning for more, this is the perfect place to begin. All the lessons have the same format as below.
Lesson 1. Acquiring Wisdom
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5
Setting the Scene
I’ve been updating several Bible studies I wrote years ago, giving them a fresh format and deeper flow. One night, I was praying about which one to work on next. I scanned the list, and my heart kept tugging toward wisdom. I brought it to God, asked Him to guide me, and went to bed.
Now, I have this little habit—I like to fall asleep listening to Bible podcasts or YouTube teachings. That night, I heard the first words in the video: “What we need is wisdom.” I just smiled. It felt like God leaned in and whispered, Yes—this is the one. It was a sweet confirmation that I was right where He wanted me.
That simple phrase—“What we need is wisdom”—felt like a gentle nudge from God, reminding me of James 1:5: If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God... I had asked, and He answered—not with a thunderclap, but with a whisper through my earbuds. It was a beautiful reminder that when we turn to Him with open hands and honest hearts, He’s ready to pour out the wisdom we need. Not sparingly. Not grudgingly. Generously.
Unpacking the Verse
James doesn’t complicate it: if you lack wisdom—ask. We don’t have to grovel or beg. And God will give it. Not stingily. Not with scolding. Generously. And without reproach. He’s not annoyed with our questions. He welcomes them.
In Hebraic thought, wisdom (chokmah) isn’t just about smarts or strategy but skill in godly living. It’s deeply relational. It’s about aligning your life with God’s order, not just knowing the right thing but living it. The root word appears over 300 times in the Old Testament. It’s less about IQ and more about obedience.
Look at the original Greek terms in this passage for deeper insight:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”— James 1:5
- Wisdom (sophia): Spiritual insight and practical understanding rooted in God’s will.
- Ask (aiteō): To request with urgency and dependence, not entitlement.
- Gives (didōmi): To grant freely, as an act of generosity and grace.
- Generously (haplōs): With simplicity, sincerity, and wholeheartedness.
- Without reproach (oneidizō): Without rebuke, blame, or humiliation.
Note: While these Greek words are directly used in James 1:5, the Hebrew concepts of chokmah (wisdom) and yirah (reverent fear) offer additional biblical context that helps us see wisdom not as head knowledge but as heart alignment with God.
The Wisdom Path
There are four foundational steps to walking in God’s wisdom:
- Fear of the Lord – Reverence is the beginning of wisdom. Proverbs mentions it 15 times. It’s not dread—a “loving reverence,” as the NIV says. It’s “reverent and worshipful,” says the Amplified Bible. One rabbinic commentary says it’s “submission to His will.” Wisdom begins when we stop trying to manage God and start bowing before Him.
- Study His Word – Proverbs 1:5 says the wise “hear and increase in learning.” Jesus says in Mark 4:24, “Pay attention to what you hear.” We must open His Word and listen carefully if we want real wisdom. Study. Soak. Treasure. It’s not enough to pursue knowledge—we need God’s knowledge.
- Obey His Commands – Wisdom shows up in our lives when we live it out. That includes what we watch, who we listen to, and the voices we let shape us. It’s not about perfection—it’s about direction. “If you love me,” Jesus said, “you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:21). We are His treasure when we treasure His Word.
- Pray for It – James 1:5 is clear. So is John 15:7—“If you abide in me… ask what you wish.” Prayer builds a pipeline from our weakness to God’s sufficiency. But we must ask in faith, without doubting. James compares doubt to a wave tossed at sea—back and forth, up and down. A double-minded person is torn between trust and fear. That’s not prayer—it’s panic in disguise. Genuine faith doesn’t demand our way—it trusts God to keep His promises.
Biblical Example: Solomon
When he became king, Solomon didn’t ask for wealth, power, or revenge. He asked for wisdom. In a moment of honest vulnerability, he admitted to God, “I don’t know how to go out or come in” (1 Kings 3:7). That phrase wasn’t just about leadership skills—it was a confession of spiritual dependence. He recognized his inadequacy and opened his heart to divine guidance. That kind of humility touches the heart of God.
And God responded—not just with wisdom but with everything Solomon didn’t ask for—riches, honor, peace. His wisdom became legendary. But Solomon’s story also carries a warning. Though he began with wisdom, he didn’t remain there. Over time, his heart drifted. He married foreign wives who brought foreign gods, and slowly, his loyalty to the God of Israel eroded. The very gift that marked his beginning—wisdom—was neglected.
Solomon’s life reminds us that wisdom isn’t a one-time blessing but a daily choice, a daily surrender, and a daily fear of the Lord. It must be nurtured, protected, and continually asked for. Wisdom isn’t just knowledge—it’s the living presence of divine truth guiding us to love rightly, live humbly, and walk faithfully.
Heart Check: Where Do I Need Wisdom Today?
- Where am I relying on worldly smarts instead of godly wisdom?
- Is there an area where I’ve stopped fearing the Lord and started fearing people?
- What’s one place in my life where I need to stop, listen, and obey?
- Have I been asking for wisdom in faith—or doubting like a wave tossed in the wind?
Application: Steps of Wisdom
- Start with reverence: Wisdom begins when we bow low. Cultivate a holy fear—not dread, but awe—that puts God in His rightful place.
- Study the Word carefully: Open your Bible like a treasure map. True wisdom is hidden in His voice—learn to listen.
- Live what you learn: Don’t just nod in agreement. Let obedience shape your habits, your relationships, and even your thoughts.
- Ask in faith: Pray like a daughter who knows her Father delights to give. Doubt may shout, but trust whispers, “He hears me.”
Words to Hold On To
- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your understanding.” — Proverbs 3:5. → Wisdom doesn’t come from logic alone but from trusting God’s heart.
- “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” — Proverbs 9:10. → Reverence is not weakness—it’s where transformation begins.
- “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me.” — John 14:21. → Wisdom is more than knowing—it’s loving enough to obey.
The Heart of the Lesson
True wisdom transcends intelligence—its divine truth flowing into receptive hearts, shaping how we live. Solomon’s request wasn’t for cleverness but alignment with God’s heart. We open our lives to God’s guidance when we ask for wisdom. His wisdom doesn’t remain distant—it enters, transforms, and leads us on the path of faithfulness.
Prayer
Father, I need Your wisdom more than answers. Help me to fear You rightly, study Your Word deeply, obey even when it’s hard, and pray without doubting. Thank You that You give generously. Grow me into a person who treasures Your voice above all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible Journaling Prompts
Use these ideas to enrich your journaling, whether done by hand or digitally. Write them in your notebook or treasure journal, or add them to the back of your memory dex card. Enhance your pages by decorating with flowers, clusters, frames, and other elements from your kit.
Ideas for a Treasure Journal or Faith Book Page
- Create a visual meditation on James 1:5. Add clusters, layered frames, and floral accents.
- Contrast two paths: Worldly Smarts vs. Godly Wisdom.
- Write about a time God answered your prayer for wisdom.
- Copy the four steps of the Wisdom Path and reflect on each.
- Rephrase Solomon’s prayer in your own words with 1 Kings 3:7.
Ideas for a Memory Dex Card
- Front: James 1:5 | Back: Lesson summary in 2–3 sentences.
- Front: Hebrew or Greek word (e.g., chokmah) | Back: Meaning and reflection.
- Front: Title “Prayer for Wisdom” | Back: Write your version.
- Front: “Where do I need wisdom today?” | Back: Honest reflection.
- Front: Paraphrased James 1:5 | Back: How it applies today
Want more lessons like this?
This is just one of 31 in-depth, beautifully formatted lessons from the Discovering a Heart of Wisdom Bible journal class. Each day includes rich teaching, Scripture studies, guided questions, journaling prompts, and creative inspiration to help you walk in God’s wisdom.
👉 Click here to explore the full class and join us on the journey.
Let the pursuit of wisdom start here.
Optional Wisdom Bible Journal Kit
