My first addition

This might be a bit less practical than what is intended for this blog...
"Bessed is the man who listens to me (wisdom), Watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord;" Proverbs 8:34-35
My opinion/experience is that...
Seeking wisdom from God not only gives us more understanding which in turn opens doors. The world shifts for the man with wisdom because it in itself is an aspect of God. When carried the very power which was there at creation becomes present in our lives. Shifting and changing circumstances in a supernatural way. We get wisdom and apply it and it affects a bit of change but the presence of wisdom in our lives also works at a whole other level because it is in fact the presence of the Spirit of God, and His presence always causes a reaction. (ps 68:8)
Thats the reason why in James asking for wisdom is related to asking God for 'every good gift'.