We are all listeners.  Each one of our lives are being guided by whatever voice we choose to listen to.  The result is that we walk in the wisdom that voice imparts to us.  There are only two kinds of wisdom in this world:  that which comes from God and that which does not.  In part 1 I focused on ungodly wisdom.  Now I will take a look at the wisdom that comes from God.

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Another Look at James

Let’s take another look at James 3:13 – 18 where the two wisdoms are contrasted.

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the 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.

Manifestations of Godly Wisdom

James informs us that the wisdom which truly comes from God will show itself in good conduct.  When we look at the Greek words used here we discover that they define a beautifully praiseworthy and noble manner of life.  This wisdom will cause one to live honorably and uprightly in every sphere of life.  This is due to the fact that this wisdom only comes to one who is truly yielded to God.

James also tells us that godly wisdom is manifest in meekness.  Meekness is not weakness.  It is an attitude of complete submission to God that yields to all His dealings no matter how difficult.  It never takes the attitude of being a “know-it-all.”  Instead, it takes the position of being a life-long learner that is willing to listen to what others have to share.

The Origin and Characteristics of Godly Wisdom

According to James, godly wisdom is

• From above:  This wisdom originates with God and fully manifests His nature.

• First pure;  It is essentially pure and free from the contamination of this present evil age.

• Peaceable:  It has a disposition that promotes harmony and accord.

• Gentle:  This indicates that godly wisdom is fair-minded with a leaning toward being satisfied with less than one’s due.

• Open to reason:  Godly wisdom is approachable and recognizes that others may have part of the answer.

• Full of mercy and good fruits:  The wisdom that comes from God is abundantly charitable toward the concerns of others.  It also brings nothing but good to the table.

• Impartial:  It makes no distinctions and treats everyone the same.

• Sincere:  There is no hypocrisy in godly wisdom.  What you see is exactly what you get.

The Results of Godly Wisdom

The fruit of godly wisdom is nothing short of beautiful.

• A harvest of righteousness:  The fruit produced by the wisdom of God will always be in complete conformity with His essential nature.

• Sown in peace:  Godly wisdom always shares its insights in a harmonious spirit.

• By those who make peace:  Those operating in godly wisdom will consistently seek to bring about harmony and unity among the brethren, thus proving themselves to be sons of God (Matthew 5:9).

Judge for Yourself

After considering the two kinds of wisdom, which one are you walking in?  This is something you will need to judge for yourself.  However, please be certain of this one thing:  godly wisdom only comes to those who are truly living in the Reign.

M

“Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”