May 11
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HUMAN VERSUS GODLY WISDOM
13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. – James 3:13-18
________________________________________The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about wisdom. It is an instruction manual for wisdom. Why is Proverbs so important? Proverbs compiles many different instructions for living life effectively so that those who want to serve God can stay in the path of wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 clearly states the theme of the whole book: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. Is it any wonder why James would want us all to know the essence of wisdom in our lives?
In verses 13-16, James gives an illustration of what human wisdom is. He says that if one thinks he is wise, let him manifest it in his actions. Someone who claims they are wise and have bitter jealousy, selfish ambition, arrogant and are liars are devoid of true wisdom. He says that human wisdom doesn’t come from above, but is earthly and demonic. He further gives a picture what this human wisdom usually brings about: chaos, disorder and all kinds of evil things. This kind of wisdom does not acknowledge God as the beginning of knowledge. They do not know him who is the source of all wisdom.
In verses 17-18, he presents what godly wisdom is. He describes it as pure, peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and manifests good fruits, impartial or fair, free of hypocrisy. In other words, there is no falsehood or pretense. It results in righteousness and those who uses godly wisdom brings about peace.
How come the world cannot discern godly wisdom? Because they do not know God and therefore do not fear him. Without the knowledge of God, there is no fear of God. How can godly wisdom exist without the knowledge of God?
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REFLECTION
• Why do some people think that their knowledge is true and righteous wisdom?