Have you ever prayed for wisdom in parenting?  I know I have.  My Bible study has been talking about Solomon: lucky guy, God just gave him wisdom.  But God says He will give us wisdom too;  all we have to do is ask...in faith...without wavering. (James 1:5)  Do I really believe that God will give it to me just like that?

Then God goes on to describe what this wisdom is like (James 3:17).  It kind of sounds like God's love.  Pure.  Peaceable. Gentle. Am I gentle with my children? Reasonable. Am I reasonable in my expectations and responses?  Full of mercy and good fruits.  Do I show them mercy?  Are they bringing forth fruit under my care? Unwavering.  This one caught me by surprise.  Wisdom is unwavering? I can see love being unwavering, but wisdom?? I am grateful that God gave me a husband who encourages me to be unwavering.  I think I fall pretty firmly in the merciful camp. :)

Finally, it is without hypocrisy.  Hypo-criticism: not looking closely enough at yourself to see if you have the same faults you are condemning in others.  I see a lot of material trying to build my self image, but am I also trying to remove my faults?

I find myself skimming over lists in the Bible so easily.  Today I wanted wisdom, and God brought it through the reading of His Word.