We’ve previously discussed that the word blessed means happy or joyful. Solomon gave us the formula for joy: “Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold.” (Prov 3:13-14) The most important part of the formula is based upon where we search for wisdom and understanding.

All that God deemed essential knowledge for His children is found in His Word—the Bible. There is a difference between “earthly wisdom” and the “wisdom that comes from above” (James 3:14–18). Here’s the wisdom we should seek to gain understanding and joy: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17) There’s no room for bitterness, jealousy and selfish ambition, which demonic pride (v14-15).

To tap into God’s wisdom, we must, first of all, desire it and ask God for it. “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) The next verse specifies that we must “ask in faith, with no doubting” (v 6).

We know that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov 9:10). We acknowledge that true wisdom comes from God and that Jesus Christ is the embodiment of that wisdom (1 Cor 1:30). To trust in Christ and yield to His Holy Spirit is to walk in wisdom; as Christians, “we have the mind of Christ” (1 Cor 2:16).

To have wisdom is to have the ability to apply knowledge to everyday life, which we can have by yielding to the work of the Holy Spirit. To tap into God’s wisdom, we must diligently study God’s Word, meditate on the Word, pray for wisdom, seek it with all our hearts, and walk in the Spirit. God desires to give His wisdom to His children. And when we have it, then we are blessed with a joyful spirit, which is more precious than jewels.