(Van Houser)
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by
his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter
jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom
is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 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 3:13-18)
Every day the prayer of my heart is for wisdom. I truly believe it comes from God and God
alone. While a prayer for peace is
worthwhile, it seems that peace is a byproduct of wisdom in all
situations. A prayer for almost any good
thing will find its answer in wisdom.
Need good relationships or health?
Wisdom with others and our habits is foundational.
The beauty of growing in wisdom is that it is
never-ending. It is also like the
breaking of a new day. When you gain wisdom, all things in life look different;
fears are diminished, emotions are controlled, and worries are forgotten.
Wisdom is not selfish or even self-centered. James’ list of the attributes of wisdom is
beautiful: pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy
and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. Who would not like to have these qualities in
their life?
Wisdom, as we know, is not knowledge; nor is it merely
experience. It is truly a combination of
those plus a God-given understanding of both of these things. That’s clear when James under the inspiration
of the Holy Spirit calls it the wisdom from above.
My thoughts on this were triggered as I considered how much
differently I think today than in my younger days. I truly believe that life experience is a
great teacher of wisdom and you just have to live long enough gain some parts
of it. The Bible encourages us to learn
from our elders and it is clear there is much they can teach us.
If you will listen to God’s lessons in experience there is
much to be learned about what is really important in life and what is NOT so
important after all. You can learn about
the true sources of joy in life and the emptiness of parties. Lessons come about the real power of faith
and the value of every human being. You
live long enough and you can learn a lot of things. But why wait?
The Bible is filled with wisdom and Christian elders can
share a great deal from their experience.
Maybe you can’t comprehend it all but the knowledge they share will
certainly be valuable in the course of your own life.
Yes, I will still pray for wisdom above all. I can’t wait to see what God will show me
today.
Scripture to Claim:
So teach us to
number our days, that we may present to You a heart of wisdom. Psalms 90:12
