Again, I cannot recommend to you enough the practice of reading a lot of Scripture in one sitting. The repeated words and phrases sink deeper as you encounter them one after another. What struck me today were the repeated calls in Proverbs to cry out for wisdom.

“but whoever listens to me will live in safety…” Proverbs 1:33

“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless…” Proverbs 2:6-7

“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.” Proverbs 3:13-14

“Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:5-7

James 1 says that if we lack wisdom we should ask God who gives generously to all without reproach. Reading Proverbs 1-15 underlines that encouragement as if in red pen. Over and over Proverbs directs us to cry out for wisdom. Wisdom is personified and positions herself as freely available to anyone who calls out for her.

“Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars. She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. She has sent out her servants, and she calls from the highest point of the city, ‘Let all who are simple come to my house!’ To those who have no sense she says, ‘Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed. Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight.'” Proverbs 9:1-6

Reading James 1 in light of Proverbs increases my faith! God reveals more of his character to me and further assures me that he desires my good. He does give generously, very generously and without reproach.