Brad has an excellent idea about reading the Bible to know God’s will. The Bible is the known or revealed Word of God. By focusing on what God has shown us in his Word, the unknown often becomes known. For example, if you’re tempted to steal a candy bar from a store, there’s no need to ask God whether you should do that. He’s already told us his will: “You must not steal anything” (Exodus 20:15).
God used the Babylonians to punish the Israelite people for disobeying him. King Nebuchadnezzar’s soldiers captured Daniel and his friends and took them to Babylon. That was a foreign city and kingdom with strange rules and different food. But they decided to follow the rules God had given the Israelites many years before, including his rules about not eating certain kinds of foods. Daniel knew God would want him to follow those rules wherever he was.
God gave Daniel favor with the guard who had control of the food. Also, Daniel and his three friends received wisdom from God and the ability to learn. Only God can give wisdom, which is the ability to know what to do. Instead of refusing to eat the king’s food, Daniel suggested that he and his friends eat vegetables for 10 days. Because they looked healthier than the other captives after the 10 days, the guard allowed them to continue eating vegetables. That’s a wise way to persuade someone who has control over you!
The Bible says that the fear of God or respect for him is the starting place for knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). If God knows everything, it makes sense to start all learning with respect for him. Compared to God, our little brains are like peas compared to giant mountains.
Many people think that the more they know, the wiser they will become. But if they don’t respect God, they will become proud of the little they know. Wisdom is understanding what to do with the knowledge you have. The Bible says if you lack wisdom, ask God. He will give it to you (James 1:5). He’ll show you what to do. You have to be humble to ask God for wisdom.
Think About This: It’s not always easy to obey God, but he will reward you for choosing him and doing things his way.
Memorize This Truth: “Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom” (James 1:5).