James 3:13, 17-18 Wisdom from Above
13 If you consider yourself to be wise and one who understands the ways of God, advertise it with a beautiful, fruitful life guided by wisdom’s gentleness. Never brag or boast about what you’ve done and you’ll prove that you’re truly wise.
17 But the wisdom from above is always pure,[holy] filled with peace, considerate and teachable.[easy to correct] It is filled with love[mercy] and never displays prejudice or hypocrisy[never wears a mask] in any form 18 and it always bears the beautiful harvest of righteousness! Good seeds of wisdom’s fruit will be planted with peaceful acts by those who cherish making peace.
How would you define wisdom from above? Scripture teaches true wisdom can be measured by the depth of a person’s character and cannot be connected with selfish demands. Wisdom from above first honors God; it starts with respect and reverence for God which leads to a holy life.
The highest goal of the wise is learning God’s Word; that is where Truth is revealed and wisdom is imparted. When we immerse our souls in God’s Word, the Holy Spirit begins to produce a harvest of thanksgiving within us and a lifestyle of worship through us as a witness for others. Christ has been made wisdom for us. Isn’t it clear when we find ourselves acting foolishly, we have simply demanded our own way.
Prayer: Father, you have asked us to make Jesus the Lord of our lives, so we can operate in your holy wisdom. Jesus, you deserve the final say over my life, so please be the wisdom I need. In Jesus’ name. Amen.