May 17
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JAMES 3
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. – James 3:13-18
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JAMES 3 EARTHLY WISDOM AGAINST WISDOM FROM ABOVE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Beloved saints, examine what you know and understand
Does it come from the Lord or is it from the world?
Is your knowledge coming from above or is it earthly?
Does it promote peace or does it bring chaos and disorder?
Watch out that your heart isn’t full of jealousy and ambition
These selfish goals bring about much lies and deception
This is not wisdom that come from the Lord but is demonic
It is guided by selfishness and gains for one’s own cravings.
The wisdom that comes from above is pure and true
It is not self-serving or driven by its own nature
It is not arrogant or harsh but is open to reason
It exudes unbiased and respectful opinions.
True wisdom brings about peace and mercy
It does not show any judgment or impartialities
It is not corrupt or focuses on selfish ambitions
Peace and good fruits result from wisdom from above.
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REFLECTION
• How do you know if a person has true wisdom or just human knowledge?
• How can one develop true wisdom from above and let go of earthly ones?