Thursday, April 30, 2009

Wisdom

James 3.13-17 (go read the whole chapter, or better yet... the whole book...)
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. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such 'wisdom' does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 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.

Truths:
Humility comes from wisdom.
There is fake wisdom that is earthly, unspiritual and from the devil.
Envy and selfishness lead to disorder and evil.
There is true wisdom that comes from heaven.
True discernment leads to peace, submissiveness, mercy, and more....

Is our 'wisdom' earthly, unspiritual, and from the devil?
OR
Is our wisdom pure? Is it peace-loving? Is it considerate? Is it submissive? Is it merciful? Is it fruitful? Is it impartial? Is it sincere?

We often seek wisdom and discernment, but what if we are seeking it incorrectly? What if we are seeking worldly wisdom?
When trying to make a decision, when trying to do what's best, we can present these things before YHWH and ask: Is this pure? Is this sincere? Is it merciful? This may not solve all our problems or answer all our questions, but it will put us on a correct and right path.

May we be wise, understanding, and discerning as we follow...

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