Greetings, Wisdom Whisperers!
Are you ready for another thrilling tongue-tackling adventure? Hold on to your conversation caps, folks, because today we’re diving into the deep ocean of wisdom in James 3:13-18. So, fasten your seatbelts and let’s explore!
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
James 3:13–18 (NIV)
James puts it beautifully, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13). Simply put, our words and actions should be the business cards of wisdom. And, let’s not forget that not all wisdom is created equal. There’s the earthly kind, which is more like ‘wis-dumb’ (according to the slang version of James 3:15), and there’s the heavenly kind, which is pure, peace-loving, considerate, and so on in James 3:17-18.
Now, here’s the zinger! The source of our wisdom influences our words, which in turn, sets the tone for our lives. If we’re tapping into ‘wis-dumb’, our words could be a disaster recipe, stirring up strife and confusion. But if we’re tuned into God’s heavenly wisdom, our words become the sweet sound of harmony and peace. Talk about a wisdom-whammy!
“But wait!” you might say, “I’ve already believed in Jesus and have chosen the heavenly wisdom. Shouldn’t my words always be sweet from there on out by the power of God?” Well, acquiring heavenly wisdom isn’t like flipping a switch. God doesn’t support laziness. It’s more like a lifelong journey of continuously coming to Him and drawing from God’s well of wisdom. It requires soaking ourselves in prayer, marinating our minds in His Word, and sync-dancing with the Holy Spirit.
So, Wisdom Whisperers, are we ready to channel God’s wisdom through our words? Are we ready to embark on this exciting journey of ever-increasing wisdom, transforming our words from ‘wis-dumb’ to wisdom? Let’s take the plunge and see the change that heavenly wisdom can bring!
What kind of wisdom (earthly or heavenly) do you find yourself drawing from most often, and how can you seek to draw more from God’s wisdom in your daily life?
I tend to find myself drawing toward heavenly wisdom. I’ve pursued earthly wisdom previously and found that it definitely doesn’t amount to anything worthwhile. I have found peace in God’s wisdom which has surpassed anything which I could have imagined and thus I am constantly motivated by this to continue pursuing God’s wisdom. Even with this motivation, we are always surrounded with earthly wisdom so it can pervade our lives if we are not careful and diligent in pursuing God constantly.
This Bible challenge has helped me to read God’s word on a daily basis. Having people keep me accountable and reminding me that when I don’t know what to do, I should redirect my focus back to God and meditate on His word. In addition to reading His word, I’ve also been in touch increasing my prayer life. Praying more.
I think I find it easier and quicker to first draw from earthly wisdom. This is through people in my life or social media. I can draw more from Godly wisdom by putting myself in His word daily and trusting in God’s timing and plans. Also through praying and seeking to hear from God and waiting on Him.