Wisdom from Above
In the 3rd chapter of James we read about the tongue and James closes with a few remarks on wisdom.
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
How can we tell who is wise? James says it will be evident by their works. Not by their words or their abilities to teach or talk a good talk but by their works. These are sobering thoughts. Wisdom is from above. I refer you back to the 1st chapter of James...
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man,unstable in all his ways.
Are you seeking God's wisdom or wisdom from the world. As I have been reading in I Corinthians this month I am reminded that Paul says the wisdom of the world is folly to God. (I Cor. 3:19) Whose wisdom are you seeking?
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