“God’s wisdom means that God always chooses the best goals and the best means to those goals.” (Grudem, Bible Doctrine, p. 88)

“All God’s acts are done in perfect wisdom, first for His own glory, and then for the highest good of the greatest number for the longest time.” (A. W. Tozer)

“Wisdom is the power to see, and the inclination to choose, the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it.” (J. I. Packer)

1. God knows the best means to achieve the best goals.

2. God understands why other means and goals are not the best options. 

3. God’s wisdom provides direction and specific ways for glorifying Him. 

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

“With God are wisdom and might; he has counsel and understanding.” - Job 12:13

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” - Proverbs 2:6

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” - Isaiah 55:8-9

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” – Romans 11:33

1. Share about a time when you should have sought (more of) God’s wisdom. What stopped you from seeking a deeper understanding of God’s wisdom in this experience? 

2. How would you define or explain God’s wisdom?

3. What is the context of this passage for seeking God’s wisdom? 

4. How does a biblical understanding of God’s wisdom (see definitions above) help us to persevere when life seems to be “out of control?”

5. Why do think faith plays a key role in asking God for wisdom?   

6. How can Romans 8:28 and God’s wisdom encourage us when our lives feel “out of control?” 

7. How do the other Scriptures (see above) provide a framework for faith, hope, and trust?

8. I’m __________ because God’s wisdom will help me to live more like Christ.