Wisdom

Many strive to be wise. Surely it is not the goal of people to be fools, but the Bible has a lot to say about it...

James 3 is a great chapter of Scripture for the teachers, leaders, and all those who follow Christ.

James 3

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

Many people think of themselves as wise. Social media and the internet have only bolstered those self-ascribed opinions over the last decade. However... having an opinion and a platform to scream it from, does not make one wise. Indeed in Scripture, we see a stark difference between true wisdom from God and the fool's wisdom of the world.

TRUTH

We see some specific things to avoid and some specific things to embrace if we desire to be wise. Selfish ambition and jealousy are mentioned as pathways to disorder and vile practices... but, wisdom from the Lord leads to peace, gentleness, mercifulness, sincerity...

James 3

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.

Wisdom from the Lord is transformational because we view other people differently. The contrast Scripture makes is powerful. What are your motives and who are you serving? The answer to this will often tell you if wisdom is from God or if the world is leading your decisions. When we let jealousy, rage, hatred, and selfish ambition control us, we see others as competition and obstacles in our path. When we see others as the Lord does, we strive for honesty, purity, peace, and gentleness. We are open to reason and not full of selfish ambition.

Loud

Friends, beloved, the wise one is not always the loudest one who has the largest audience... The wise one is the one who controls their tongue, loves others, puts others' needs ahead of their own, and the evidence of their faith is known to all by their fruit. Today, this week, examine what fruit is growing in your life. Don't become wise in your own eyes, but follow the Lord and let HIM make you wise. Control your speech and actions, and let God lead you.

James 3

5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boast of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire.