Friday, May 6, 2022
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
Wisdom From Above
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 for when you gain wisdom all things in life look different; fears are diminished, emotions are controlled, 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 each and every day.
So teach us to number our days, That we may present to You a heart of wisdom. Psalms 90:12
