God’s wisdom is for you (1)
The scriptures are God’s voice to us. Many want to hear God but, ironically, never pay attention to His word. The truth is, it is never going to happen. We must hear what the word says first before making assumptions that are outside God’s will for us. As it pertains to Godly wisdom, the word is not silent.
Let’s examine James 1:14-17:
“14 But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
Here we see “two kinds of wisdom.” As always, just like every other writing in the scripture, we must pay attention to understand the message and intention of the writer. James begins by describing the first wisdom as earthly, that is, of the earth, and the other as being from above, meaning heavenly (from the Father). It is worthy of note that several phrases were used in describing the wisdom of this world—he calls it sensual and devilish.
Why is this wisdom described as sensual and devilish? The answer is not far-fetched. Worldly wisdom glories in envying, strife, confusion, and every evil work. As a ground truth, the man in Christ has been called out of the world and is now born again. In John 3:5 (KJV): “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
To be born again is to be born from above. This is why John describes the born-again man as being born of the Spirit. The man in Christ is supernatural. James has earlier described this man as one who proceeds from God, lacking any variableness, a kind of His nature and character (James 1:16-18).
As a believer, you began your journey by receiving the wisdom of God. Receiving God’s wisdom by the gospel made you one of His (which James describes as being a kind of firstfruits of His creatures). By nature, therefore, you can walk in the wisdom which is from above. You are not incapable of walking in godly wisdom.
What does godly wisdom look like? Let’s take another look at James 3:17 via the New American Standard Bible: “17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy.”
Seeing this, It is clear that as a believer you have everything it takes to be peace-loving, gentle, full of mercy, and consistent in character, just like the Father. It is not difficult or impossible for you to forgive, to walk in love, to be patient, and peace-loving. Remember, you are from above, called out and separate, and this is what defines your reality, your nature, your character, and conduct.
Daily Bible Reading Plan:
Bible Reading – Revelation 19-20
TEACHING OF THE DAY
Let God change you