Letting Wisdom Guide

KEY VERSE: “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.” —James 3:13, New International Version

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: James 1:5-8; 3:1-5, 13-18

WISDOM IMPLIES REAL breadth of knowledge, so the wise man stores up knowledge. (Prov. 10:14) Understanding suggests discernment, or insight, and the wise man seeks to acquire understanding.—Prov. 4:5-7

God is the source of all wisdom and understanding. “No one is like you, O Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power. Who should not revere you, O King of the nations? This is your due. Among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms, there is no one like you.” (Jet.. 10:6,7, NIV) Time and care are required to learn God’s ways. The study of his Word becomes the motivating force, and is a lifetime responsibility. “The fear [reverence] of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”—Prov. 9:10, NIV

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5, NIV) One of the first lessons to be learned is our own lack of wisdom and insufficiency. God will not direct the lives of the proud or arrogant, but he does promise to bless those who seek him with meekness and humility. Paul says that God has not called the worldly wise, nor the influential, or those of noble birth. But he does choose the weak, the lowly and the despised ones. The meek and humble are more apt to be teachable, as well as rich in faith.—I Cor. 1: 26-29

God will not hear the unfaithful, nor answer their prayers. James explains that double-mindedness indicates a character not rooted or grounded in faith. (vss. 7,8) Attempting to approach the Most High God from any other standpoint than full confidence and faith will not be successful. See Hebrews 11:6.

The apostle cautions those who would be teachers. (James 3:1,2) Due to imperfections of the flesh it is essential that care be taken always to use good judgment. It is not the place for the novice—and only the humble-minded should seek such service.

“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.” (vss. 3-5, NIV) A small bit, with reins attached to it can direct the course of a large animal such as a horse, or a team of horses. James says that huge ships may also be controlled by a very small device. These examples portray the tremendous influence of the tongue.

He describes two kinds of wisdom: one is shown by good works, done in the spirit of humility, and is spiritually oriented. The other kind of wisdom is manifested in evil deeds and can be seen in the ambitious, envious, and selfish heart. This is earthly in nature, ends in disorder and evil practices, and has no spiritual value.—vss. 13-16

“Wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” (vs. 17, NIV) Divine wisdom is established in purity. ‘Peace at any price’ is not heavenly wisdom, but it is peaceable when in harmony with purity.

| Home Page | Table of Contents |