Dictionary.com defines wisdom as follows: “Knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgement as to action; sagacity, discernment or insight.” Wisdom in short means applying knowledge correctly.
Solomon cautions us in Proverbs 3:7: “Do not be wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord and shun evil.”
fear the Lord and shun evil.”
James put it as follows: 13“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17But 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. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness,” (James 3:13-18).
Wisdom is relying on the Lord. If we want to appear wise and understanding in ourselves, if our ambition is to be this great ‘Man/Woman of God’, this great home group leader, elder or pastor, we will end up acting by the sinful nature. We will start competing with our fellow Christians - obviously with the necessary subtlety and tact as to not appear competitive - and in the end we will be in the position of ‘wisdom’ and authority that we desired, but far away from the Lord. This kind of selfish ambition is what James talked about in verses 14-16 above.
If however we rest in the Lord, letting Him do His thing though us as we obey His commands, being still and knowing that He is Lord (Psalm 46:10), letting Him fight for us whilst we look on quietly enjoying the victory (Exodus 14:14), we will be wise and act godly. A humble heart that relies on the Lord results in victory, “producing fruit in keeping with repentance” as Jesus said in Matthew 3:8.
Jesus mentioned false prophets in Matthew 7:15-23: “‘Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
‘Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
When we read this we think of all those with really bad intentions, but Satan masquerades him as an angel of the light: “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light,” (2 Corinthians 11:13-14). We need to watch people carefully, including ourselves, and not simply accept everything, but test them according to the Word of God – are they doing what God expects in His Word? The Holy Spirit is always ready with Words of Wisdom and Knowledge and will show us when we or others have wrong motives.
Do those who preach money and numbers, those who do little to equip the saints for the work of the ministry, those who demand to have titles and position, even if it is ever so subtle, act in the wisdom from above that is “first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere?” (James 3:17).
Motives do not have to be openly ungodly, but can appear very good and holy, yet selfish. If we see this kind of earthly wisdom in Christians we need to pray that the Lord may forgive them and redirect their hearts.
Lord, help me to rely on your wisdom.
Thank you Lord that your Word went out from your mouth, via your servant’s pen, and it will not return to you empty, but will accomplish what you desire and achieve the purpose for which you sent it.
Please pass this on if you think others may benefit by it.
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