WHAT DOES GOD'S WISDOM LOOK LIKE?
JAMES 3:13-17
JAMES 3:13-17 NKJV
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
OBSERVATION:
I happen to like the book of James a lot. Maybe because James was reportedly a pastor, and I can relate. Or it's because his writings are so straightforward and practical. James would definitely stir up social media if he was writing today.
But the book of James contains God's inspired wisdom that is as applicable today as it was over two thousand years ago.
In yesterday's passage, we observed what faith looks like. Today we gain a clearer picture of how to discern God's wisdom.
James, again, calls for action to reveal the reality of faith and wisdom. Wise people should have congruent conduct.
James then describes what is not the wisdom of God. He declares that bitter envy and self-seeking are not from God. Going directly to the point, he states that envy and self-seeking are of this world and demonically influenced. And that these traits create confusion and every evil thing.
To contrast these dark characteristics, James defines God's wisdom and its attributes.
The wisdom from above. A direct contrast to earthly, sensual, and demonic.
God's wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, or coachable. God's wisdom is full of mercy, and good fruits, and is not playing favorites or hypocritical.
This is quite a list, and it is extremely helpful in determining if we or others are walking in God's wisdom.
APPLICATION:
I have found these verses to be a valuable template in discerning God's wisdom for my life and recognizing His wisdom in others.
Joy made a suggestion recently that was challenging to my faith. My first response was a hard no. When I walked away and got quiet, I recognized this was not God's wisdom. At the very least, I should have been willing to listen to her Godly challenge. So, I adjusted.
And thank God we can adjust. When we recognize we are not walking in God's wisdom, don't double down. Double back and make an adjustment. And be peaceable and gentle as you do. God's wisdom produces good fruit.
PRAYER:
Dear Father, help me to walk in your wisdom and grow in your wisdom.