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Two Kinds of Wisdom
by Hiram Claudio This devotion is based on the scriptures in James 3:13-18 on the subject, "Two Kinds of Wisdom." Everyone wants wisdom! The Bible tells of King Solomon, who when offered everything the world could provide, chose infinite wisdom. And yet, at times, we can get confused as to what true wisdom is. Often, it can be mistaken as simply having knowledge. But wisdom is so much more. Wisdom is not just "what you know" but "what you do with what you know." True wisdom can provide us the direction we need to understand and better navigate the challenging times in our lives. Still, what kind of wisdom do we seek after? It would appear from looking at this passage, and the world around us, that there are two places from where we can get wisdomfrom the Earth or from above. Let's see how James describes each form and how following true wisdom can benefit our lives. First, James teaches those that claim to be wise should do the same thing as those who claim to have faith they should show it. It is one thing to say you are wise but another thing to demonstrate or prove it with your conduct. James states that the one who is wise and filled with "understanding" will show it with good conduct and without boasting. If you are going to claim that the Holy Spirit has control over your life, it should be evident to others looking on. Then, the passage reviews much of the qualities you will find present in false or Earthly wisdom. It declares that false wisdom is filled with envy, bitterness, and selfish ambition. Anyone who gives you advice that places you at the center of the universe is not giving you truly wise counsel. Decisions based on you and your needs "only" or based on bitterness that is rooted in your heart leads nowhere. Yet, our world will continually recommend or advise you to think only of yourself and to forget the needs of others. God has a better way! True wisdom, wisdom that comes from above, is wisdom that is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, merciful, and without partiality in other words, nothing like what you'll hear from the "advice" experts. Wisdom based on bitterness drives people apart. Wisdom based on peace brings people together. Now, I know many may object and say but what about this situation or that one. I know that many circumstances are very complicated and I am not trying to dismiss any of them. Yet, the type of wisdom that Jesus brings to our lives is a form that will have peace, mercy, and gentleness come along with it. One attribute that is often overlooked about godly wisdom is that it is "willing to yield." Let's face it people today are way too obsessed with winning every argument or confrontation. Wisdom will know when to back away, when the point you are making is not only right but worth the extension of energy. As we let the Lord reign in more and more of our lives, we will allow His way of thinking to become oursand then true God fearing wisdom can flood and bless all of our days. Hiram Claudio is a minister and bible teacher who has traveled to 8 nations spreading the Good News of faith in Christ and victory through His name. He is married (for 29 years). He and his wife live in New York and have two sons. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |