Wisdom often tops the list of human virtues (Proverbs 12:8). In the past, the aged were sought after and revered for the wisdom amassed over their lifetime, and the young were encouraged to work hard so they could gain it themselves. Today, it seems that anyone – of any age - with a recording device and online access can proclaim themselves wise and thousands, if not millions, of people consume their content every day. Money talks, athleticism talks, celebrity talks, popularity talks, and people readily listen. But is it wise?
Consider these passages:
“Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice.” (Job 32:9 NKJV)
“Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 26:12 NKJV)
“The rich man is right in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding searches him out.” (Proverbs 28:11 NKJV)
“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” (Isaiah 5:20-21 NKJV)
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:7-8 NKJV)
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their own craftiness”, and again, “The LORD knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.” Therefore let no one boast in man…” (1 Corinthians 3:18-21a NKJV)
James, in his epistle, teaches us how to tell the
difference between earthly wisdom and wisdom that is from above.
Earthly wisdom (James 3:14-16):
- If bitter envy and self-seeking is its source (this is weakness not wisdom, consider 1 Corinthians 3:1-3)
- It is a lie to puff yourself up and call this behaviour wise (consider Romans 1:18-32)
- It does not come from above
- It is earthly (of the earth, of man’s making and prone to error and change, Matthew 7:21-23; 15:9, Romans 10:2-3)
- It is sensual (governed by passions and evil desires, consider Ephesians 4:17-24, 1 John 2:15)
- It is demonic (under the sway of the devil, John 8:44, 1 John 5:19)
- Where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing is there (nothing good can come from a heart tainted by these things)
Wisdom that is from
above (James 3:13, 17):
- Is first pure (uncontaminated)
- Then peaceable (peaceful in character and intent, promoting peace)
- Gentle (equitable, just, compassionate)
- Willing to yield (wholly convinced and ready to trust and obey commands of God)
- Full of mercy and good fruits (merciful toward others, compassion that leads to charitable deeds, good conduct that shows one's works are done in the meekness of wisdom)
- Without partiality (causing no doubt or uncertainty)
- Without hypocrisy (sincere and free from hidden agenda)
We can use these descriptions to clearly examine the fruit of the people we consider wise – including ourselves. Let’s look at this information with honest hearts, and if the Lord wills, we’ll use the remainder of our study to dig into each part of heavenly wisdom, so we can better understand it and comprehend its great worth.
“The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice. The law of his God is in his heart, none of his steps shall slide.” (Psalm 37:30-31 NKJV)The LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:6). Do not content yourself with your own form of wisdom (Proverbs 3:5) or with men’s wisdom; there is nothing beneficial there (Psalm 134:3-4, Jeremiah 17:5-6). Wisdom from God will be life to your soul and grace to your neck (Proverbs 3:21)! Let’s determine to seek wisdom from its very Source!!
You can do it! So can
I!!
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