God's Wisdom: A Guide for Disciples from Proverbs and James
There are many themes in Proverbs that run parallel to the powerful little book of James. Both of these books offer clear and direct action steps that we can follow as disciples, and both place emphasis on the wisdom that comes from God. Solomon and James agree that God’s wisdom is better than the wisdom of man and the results of applying God’s wisdom always leads to long term, even eternal, results.
Over the years, I have observed that usually there is consensus concerning individuals who are known to possess wisdom. In every case, those people are also known to have outstanding character. Their wisdom aligns with their behavior.
In James 3:18 we read this question: “Who is wise and understanding among you?” Go ahead and take a minute to answer this question. Who is it that you know to be wise and understanding? I suspect three things are true about the person you think of: 1) they are kind, maybe even generous, towards others, 2) they are good listeners, and 3) their egos are in check, or in other words, they aren’t prone to brag about their accomplishments.
James answered his own question by saying that the ones we know as wise act in ways that align or are consistent with their words. He goes on to remind us that if wisdom is from God, then those who receive God’s wisdom will not be prone to jealousy or dissension. The opposite is also true. If we see people with a tendency to boast and who engage in questionable practices, then we can have confidence that they are not the ones who spend time in prayer seeking the things of God for their lives.
It makes you wonder why as followers of Christ we would desire to listen to or be led by those whose lives do not reflect the character and ways of God. James makes it clear: “Wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
Father, forgive us for the times we have sought counsel or leadership in our lives from those who do not seek wisdom from you or demonstrate your character by their behavior. Today we ask that you grant us the wisdom we need to live by as we embrace our work and our relationships. Fill us with your Holy Spirit, that our lives and our words would reflect your character and bring you glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Your Time with God’s Word
James 3:13-18 ESV
Photo by Jessica Mangano on Unsplash
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