How do we get wisdom? According to James 1:5 we must pray for it. . . . God promises to give wisdom to us in abundance. It is essential however, that we ask Him for it.

But praying is just one part of the process in gaining wisdom. . . . Getting wisdom is the result of mutual effort. It’s a matter of working together with God in pulling off a wise lifestyle. God doesn’t deliver wisdom at our door like the morning paper. Wisdom doesn’t come in a neat package, like a carton of cool milk that’s waiting to be opened. It’s the result of a cooperative effort. . . .

Wisdom doesn’t come easily. It may start with prayer, but there’s so much more. To get wisdom, we must roll up our sleeves. . . . It’s like trying to find hidden treasure; it takes rugged labor. God will do His part if we’ll only do ours. It’s a mutual process.

Living on the Ragged Edge

Charles R. Swindoll, Wisdom for the Way: Wise Words for Busy People (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2007).