Giving Wisdom to the Wise

Giving Wisdom to the Wise

Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 2:20-23 contains an important observation as to God’s involvement in the lives of His people in times of trial. God had revealed king Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and its interpretation to Daniel and he stated that “He (God) gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding”. Why did Daniel say this and what does it mean for us today? Daniel and his friends had wisdom and understanding on their own through diligence, obedience, and preparation, but the king’s demands were beyond their human abilities. We can and should likewise prepare ourselves by taking advantage of opportunities to develop skill, knowledge, wisdom to make good decisions and handle the stressors and tests life throws at us. However, we also must know there will be times when our own skills and abilities are not enough and we need help from God. Through wise counsel and petitions to God in difficult situations, God will respond and provide wisdom and understanding above and beyond what we have on our own. This should be comforting to God’s people as we encounter the various trials and tests of life.