"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" James 3:17 and 18.
I used to think descriptions of wisdom could be found squarely in the book of Proverbs, written by King Solomon, the wisest man who'd ever lived, and who wasn't God. But these two verses in James struck me, oh, here's a wonderful explanation from the New Testament. Heavenly wisdom at its finest, and if we lack such wisdom we can ask God for it (see James 1:5-8).
By contrast is earthly wisdom - there is some - but it won't ever measure up to God's heavenly wisdom. Earthly wisdom is not so pretty and is generally marked by selfish motivation. This type produces
"disorder and every vile practice" (see vs 16)
whereas heavenly wisdom results in righteousness and peace. Which would you choose even if it may not make sense to you?
It's amusing to see what else is written about God's wisdom.
"For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men" (1 Corinthians 1:25 ESV).
In times of decision making, difficult situations, counseling a friend in need and the like, would you go for earthly or heavenly wisdom?
As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am reminded to seek God's wisdom. I can ask the Lord to reveal to me through His Holy Spirit and the Word of God. Then we can show others our "good deeds" that stem from our faith in the Lord and the
"humility that comes from wisdom" (James 3:13).
As I sit here writing "I look up to the hills from whence comes my help" (see Psalm 121:102). Smack dab in front of me is Mount Kinabalu in Sabah on the Island of Borneo. It's outliine is as clear as clear can be. A fortress of rock. Cloud and mist cover have not obscured it yet. In fact the sun doth shine strongly forth as it peeks through a foothill cleft nearby, giving warmth and light.
Gazing at the structure of the familiar peaks, the strength, sturdiness and fixedness are felt. I equate that to God's wisdom - sure and steadfast. Reliable, no matter how foolish earthly wisdom mocks it.
For example, a Chrsitian brother or sister wants to do mission work in Goma, D.R. Congo. Here the M23 actively terrorize the area. What can we say?
We can definitely pray for that brother or sister's safety and that God grants them a double portion of His wisdom as they go about their mission and ministry to the people of that city and the surrounding areas. These people, who live in constant threat of terror touching them, need to know Christ too and the peace that passes all understanding especially in the midst of this terror! In fact, just two days before I was writing the rough draft for this blog entry, 1200 people were slaughtered! May all brothers and sisters-in-Christ go with God and His heavenly wisdom wherever they are and in whatever circumstance they may find themself in.
Which wisdom would you choose?
~ ERC February 2025 ~
Based on James 3:13-18 and Our Daily Bread Sept/Oct/Nov 2023 - 11 Sept by Sheridan Voysey.
Sing, To You Be the Glory, along with Matt Maher and Kari Kibe.
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