As one of His ministers, I know that I will have multiple exchanges with a variety of people, and I will need to listen to them carefully. With others I will need to inform, encourage, persuade and discuss various issues. Words inappropriately spoken can be devastating, while words fitly spoken can inspire and motivate.

James admonishes us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

Wisdom is listed as one of God's spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12:8 Paul writes, "For to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit." Not all come by it as a gift; for most of us we have to be consciously seeking and cultivating wisdom. That's why we need to ask for it.

When God offered King Solomon anything he wished, Solomon thought and asked for wisdom. God commended him for this choice: "Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked long life for yourself, nor have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice, behold, I have done according to your words; see, I have given you a wise and understanding heart" (1 Kings 3:11-12). God gave him this gift of wisdom, and as a result Solomon was regarded by people in Israel and from faraway lands as one with an exceptional sense of justice and equity.

A vital aspect of wisdom is the capacity to listen and understand and also to speak words of kindness. In Proverbs 8 wisdom is personified as a woman speaking in the first person: "Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things" (Proverbs 8:6). Considering what people tell you and thoughtfully responding will help a conversation (and relationship) go in the right direction. The beautiful 31st chapter of Proverbs lists the various characteristics of a virtuous woman. One important aspect is how she speaks, "She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness" (Proverbs 31:26).

Let's all be aware more than ever how important it is to ask daily for godly wisdom in our everyday speech. UN