Good Morning.
Bezalel and Aholiab, and every gifted artisan in whom the Lord has put wisdom and understanding, to know how to do all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary shall do according to all that the Lord has commanded. (Exodus 36:1)
In James, we are told that if anyone desires wisdom, they are to ask God and He will give it to them “liberally and without reproach” (James 1:5). In the Old Testament we are told that, when Solomon requested of God to be given wisdom and discernment, not only did God give him wisdom but wisdom that surpassed anyone before or after (1 Kings 3:6-14). It is apparent, then, that the Almighty imparts wisdom to those who need it, not for their own sakes only, but especially when individuals are placed in key positions that will affect God’s people at large.
Considering this, it could be argued that those who would ask for this wisdom, and especially when it comes to fulfilling their call, were already wise enough to make such a request. In fact, the rabbinical interpretation of our verse from Exodus says, that God gives wisdom to those who possess wisdom. In other words, these craftsmen already possessed a measure of wisdom but God further endowed them with greater wisdom. Likewise, Solomon exhibited wisdom by asking for wisdom.
It is seems to me that there is a ring of truth within this interpretation. In the parable of the talents and the unprofitable servant, those who properly used what had already been given to them were entrusted with more. Those who misappropriated their gift were rebuked and their gift taken away and given to another. Yeshua said, “For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away” (Matthew 25:29).
The point is that all of us have been given gifts and talents that are to be used for God’s purpose and in His service. To misappropriate these talents is to display a disregard for God’s will and demonstrate a lack of wisdom. It is unlikely that those who do such will be given more wisdom — at least not until they learn to appreciate and appropriate what they already have. To those who are using their gifts and talents to advance His Will, we have a promise that, when we ask Him for what is needed to continue in His Will, He gladly grants that request. The key, it seems, is to be found trustworthy. That is, if we are doing what is pleasing to Him today, when tomorrow’s challenge comes, He knows He can trust us and, therefore, endow us with greater wisdom to be used for God-ordained reasons.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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