When I was younger, I yearned to be stronger, faster, smarter, not to outshine anyone, but to feel capable and confident in my own skin. Maybe you’ve felt that same desire, the need to prove something to yourself or others. Over the years, as I’ve stepped into leadership roles and taken on greater responsibilities, I’ve discovered something profound: strength and speed matter less than I thought. What matters most, the thing I long for now, is wisdom.

I’ve come to believe that wisdom is what truly distinguishes leaders from followers. One scripture that has guided me in this journey is

James 1:5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

This verse reminds us that wisdom is a gift, available to anyone willing to seek it. But wisdom isn’t handed to us, it requires effort, persistence, and humility.

Fresh out of college, degree in hand, I thought I had all the answers. I could recite theories and quote textbooks, whether in social work or business. People might have called me “book smart” or even “street smart” because of my so-called hard-knock life. But the truth is, neither had matured into wisdom. True wisdom, I’ve learned, goes beyond knowledge. It’s knowledge transformed through action, reflection, and intention. It’s the ability to listen deeply, apply what you’ve learned, and adapt with humility.

James 1:5 reminds us that God generously gives wisdom to those who ask. But asking is just the beginning, true wisdom requires intentionality and often sitting with something long enough to truly absorb it. Recently, someone shared this advice with me: “When engaging with board members, assume you’re starting from scratch every time you reintroduce a strategy or concept. They have full-time jobs and other responsibilities.” As a board chair myself, I’m still absorbing it.

You’re never too accomplished to become more refined, to become wiser. Did you catch that? That reframing wasn’t just practical, it was wise. Reflecting on it more deeply, I’m reminded that effective communication starts with empathy and clarity, qualities that require a wise heart to practice consistently. It’s a lesson whose depth only becomes clear when I take the time to truly sit with the statement.

So, what are you absorbing today?

The pursuit of wisdom often involves others. James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom, but I believe God often answers through the people around us. You’ve heard me say it before: Every breakthrough is found on the other side of the right relationship. When I transitioned into banking, a completely new field for me, I leaned heavily on my team. I didn’t know the nuances of the industry, but I surrounded myself with people who did. Wisdom is rarely found in isolation; it thrives in dialogue, collaboration, and the humility to trust others.

Over the last year, I’ve spoken to numerous corporate and nonprofit teams, and my message has been simple: If you don’t trust the person next to you, you won’t be able to tap into their wisdom. And without that trust, breakthrough will be nearly impossible. Did you catch that?

Proverbs 2:4 describes wisdom as something to be sought like silver or hidden treasure. That imagery resonates with me because it challenges us to value wisdom as something precious and irreplaceable. For most of my life, even as a child, I sought the company of older, wiser people. Why? Because many of them had been there and done that. Their stories, insights, and lived experiences became invaluable resources for my own growth. Wisdom isn’t accidental, it’s intentional.

These scriptures and lessons take me back to moments when I was searching for answers, navigating the uncertainties of foster care, struggling to gain access to college, stepping into unfamiliar roles, and wrestling with deep self-doubt. Do you ever wrestle with self-doubt?

Through those experiences, I learned that wisdom isn’t handed to us. It must be desired, actively sought, cherished, and, most importantly, applied. Wisdom gives us confidence. Wisdom overcomes self-doubt. Stop. Don’t miss this: It reminds us that no matter what you and I have been through, who we are, or where we come from, we, without doubt, carry a gift.

The most impactful leaders, the ones who endure, who inspire, and who leave a legacy, are wise because they understand this fundamental truth: Every person matters. The quiet one, the fast one, the deliberate one, the reflective one. Wisdom teaches leaders to see the value in every individual, recognizing that it’s the diversity of perspectives and talents that strengthens a team, a community, and a vision.

So, the real question is: How will you actively seek wisdom today?

Will you ask God for guidance with an open heart? Will you lean into growth, embracing wisdom as the treasure it truly is? Wisdom is a gift from God, freely given but not passively received. It demands intentionality, persistence, and faith. It also requires humility, being willing to learn from the experiences of others and drawing on the strength of trusted relationships. Don’t let pride keep you from the breakthroughs that come through collaboration. Will you commit to asking the hard questions, trusting God’s direction, and treating wisdom as the essential key that sets great leaders apart and builds a lasting legacy?

Let me know your thoughts on wisdom, how do you attract it, grow it, and share it? If this blog resonated with you, I’d love to hear your perspective. Add your insights in the comments, share this with your network, and don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter for more reflections and updates.