How do I get wisdom?

In my morning's reading today I decided to switch to an online tool for my devotions. I usually use my bible and a journal, but often get distracted. However, the online esv bible has a tool where this wonderful voice reads the text to you and you can follow along. It helps my concentration and focus and helps the text to sink in even more. I will use it for awhile and go back and forth to my old journal and bible, I'm sure.

It seems that the Holy Spirit always brings me to the exact place in scripture that will challenge me, convict me, cause me to grow, or just expand my knowledge of His character. He is faithful to give me the "food" I need for each day. I love that about God. He's always ready to show himself to me when I seek Him in His Word.

In Job 28 the passage talks about the priceless nature of wisdom. Then concludes with this verse (28:28):

"And he (God) said to man,
‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to turn away from evil is understanding.’"


I'm in desperate need of God's wisdom in several areas of my life right now. Actually in all of my life, if I really think of it. I know that in James 1:5-6 it says,

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."

Fear God and ask in faith. That's it? Yet, it's so hard to do in my flesh. If it seems so simple then why don't I do it? I think it's because I quickly depend on my own wisdom and I lack faith to really ask...

But, the part that really struck me was in Job 28:28 at the end it says "to turn away from evil is understanding." I feel like this is a really important and often missed point. Could we substitute repentance for "turn away from evil?" I think so. True repentance is necessary for understanding. WHOA! That is definitely lacking in the church today: people practicing confession and repentance.

God please help me to practice true repentance. I deeply need your wisdom. Please give me the faith that I lack and the power to turn away from my self-reliance.