For where jealousy
and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the
wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of
mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit
is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:15-18
We need to be able to discern
between godly wisdom and worldly wisdom so that we follow the right people and
learn the right principles. It is God’s
will that every person here become wise according to His standards. How
can we discern godly wisdom and distinguish it from the counterfeit?
1.
Lifestyle 2.Motives Origin:
4.
Fruit:
The results of wisdom in operation
will also tell us its nature. James
identifies the fruit of ungodly wisdom in verse 15
as confusion and every
evil thing. God is not
the author of confusion. Contention and harsh feelings and all those things are
a strong indication that somebody is operating in the wrong spirit and is
probably motivated by some pride or selfishness or even bitterness.
Hebrews 12:14 -15 says, Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which
no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace
of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this
many become defiled. Bitterness has a tendency to
spread if it is not dealt with. We
usually know when we’re speaking out of past hurts; when we’re being defensive;
when we’re manipulating or attacking. The
deception comes if we justify it rather than confess it and turn from it.
The fruit of godly wisdom is peace
and righteousness. James 3:18 Now the fruit of righteousness
is sown in peace by those who make peace. There is a powerful connection in the Bible
between peace and righteousness. Isaiah 32:16
promises, The work of righteousness will be peace,
and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. When
we’re living right with God we feel the confidence to trust Him to defend us
when we’re opposed by others. We do not
rise up in our own defense because we know God will take care of it. The Lord may have us answer the accusation. But we won’t be doing it out of fear or anger
but simply out of obedience and dependence upon Him.
James 3:18 out of
The Message reads, You can develop a healthy, robust community
that lives right with God and enjoy the results only if you do the hard work of
getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. That’s what God wants for every church—a
community of believers who treat each other with dignity and honor—a healthy,
robust community that lives right with God and each other.
How do we get this godly wisdom
James is talking about in our text? We
get it by asking God to give it to us and pursuing it with a life-long
diligence. Remember James
1:5-6 “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. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting....” God is faithful to answer that kind of prayer.
When you’re on the job or when your
family has a problem, ask God to give you a solution. You have not because you
ask not.
Scripture to Claim:
I have directed you
in the way of wisdom; I have led you in upright paths. When you walk, your
steps will not be impeded; and if you run, you will not stumble. Take hold of
instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life. Proverbs 4:11-13
