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On The Right Path: Acquiring Godly Wisdom — 11/18/2025 10:00 AM
Today's speaker is Dr. Will Smallwood, Vice President for Advancement at Cedarville University. Dr. Smallwood encourages us to ask the Lord for wisdom, because He will give it generously. His text is James 1:5.
Notes
Chapel Recap: The Gift of Godly Wisdom
Today in chapel, Dr. Will Smallwood spoke on the importance of seeking true wisdom from James 1:5, reminding us that “wisdom is for all humanity at every stage of life.” His message centered on one simple but powerful truth: God is the source of wisdom, and He freely gives it to those who ask.
Dr. Smallwood began by defining wisdom not as intelligence or experience but as a life shaped by reverence for God. Quoting Proverbs, he explained, “The heart of wisdom is fear of the LORD.” This fear, he said, is not terror or dread, but “a continual, humble, and faithful submission to Yahweh which compels one to hate evil and turn away from sin.” True wisdom begins when we recognize who God is and respond with obedience.
To be wise, Dr. Smallwood emphasized, is to know God personally and walk in relationship with Him. Wisdom is not just hearing the Word of God; it’s doing it. Genuine wisdom transforms both the heart and the hands.
Dr. Smallwood then turned to James’s command to pray for wisdom. “Wisdom is given as a gift from God,” he said, “and God is a giving God. He wants to give you wisdom.” When believers ask in faith, God responds generously. This promise is an encouragement to everyone facing confusion, uncertainty, or difficult decisions.
“If God says it, we believe it,” Dr. Smallwood reminded us, “This promise is a steadfast reminder that we should do what He tells us to do — ask for wisdom.” God’s guidance is not limited to pastors, parents, or leaders; it is available to every believer who seeks Him with humility and faith.