If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, And his tongue talks of justice. Psalm 37:30
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
God’s Wisdom
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction;
12 For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding;
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand, In her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who retain her.
19 The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; By understanding He established the heavens;
20 By His knowledge the depths were broken up, And clouds drop down the dew. (Proverbs 3)
Who is wise and understanding among you?
James 3:13-18 is a profound passage in the New Testament, where James, the brother of Jesus, delves into the nature of wisdom and its manifestation in human behavior. He begins by posing a rhetorical question, asking who among the believers is wise and understanding. Then, he sets forth a challenge: to demonstrate wisdom through good conduct, rather than mere words. This aligns with the broader theme of James’ epistle, which emphasizes the importance of genuine faith being evidenced by actions.
James draws a sharp contrast between two types of wisdom: earthly, or worldly wisdom, and heavenly, or divine wisdom. Earthly wisdom is characterized by selfish ambition and envy, traits that prioritize personal gain and status over the well-being of others. It’s driven by self-interest and often leads to discord and conflict within communities. In contrast, divine wisdom is marked by purity, peace-loving tendencies, gentleness, willingness to yield, mercy, good fruits, impartiality, and sincerity. These qualities reflect a wisdom that originates from God and aligns with His character.
The passage underscores the transformative power of wisdom from above, which not only guides individuals towards righteous living but also fosters harmonious relationships within the Christian community and beyond. It’s a wisdom that promotes humility and genuine concern for others, fostering an atmosphere of peace and unity. James warns against the dangers of allowing envy and selfish ambition to dictate behavior, as they can lead to disorder and every evil practice.
Ultimately, James encourages believers to pursue divine wisdom earnestly, recognizing its transformative impact on their lives and the world around them. By embodying the virtues of heavenly wisdom, believers can contribute to the flourishing of their communities and bear witness to the transformative power of God’s grace.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:18)
Be Blessed,
Settobefree.com
