Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Descends From Above

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."  James 3:13

There is wisdom and then there is WISDOM! The Bible says that there are two types of wisdom – the wisdom from this earth and the wisdom that descends from above!

The wisdom that is from this earth is:

-       Filled with bitter envy
-       Self-seeking
-       Earthly
-       Sensual
-       Demonic
-       Filled with confusion and every evil thing

The wisdom from God is:

-       Pure
-       Peaceable
-       Gentle
-       Willing to yield
-       Full of mercy
-       Good Fruit
-       Without partiality
-       Without hypocrisy

Which type of wisdom would you prefer?

How do you get the wisdom from above?

The answer is simpler than you think! The Bible says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5

What exhortation does the Bible give us when we ask for wisdom?

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is double-minded, unstable in all his ways.” James 1:6-8

“Godly wisdom is pure, meaning “free from defilement.” Bitterness, envy, and selfish behavior thoroughly corrupts a person. Godly wisdom is also peaceable, describing a spirit of tranquility and calmness. It does not suggest compromising truth just for the sake of peace, which would promote falsehood. In addition, godly wisdom is undivided, without favorites, unwavering and consistent. True wisdom is sincere and unpretentious.” Commentary

“Evil produces confusion. Anyone who is involved in envy and strife is confused.” Commentary

Let’s resist the wisdom from this earth and ask God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, the wisdom that is from above! Let's be peacemakers who sow in peace and who will reap a harvest of righteousness!

“...if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exists, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:14-18