Chasing Truth™: Read the Bible Cover to CoverSample

Wisdom from Heaven 

Of all the people you know, are there a few—or even just one—that you could truly call wise? 

That person may not actually be the most intelligent or knowledgeable person you know, but somehow they carry wisdom within them that almost seems supernatural. Maybe it is! The Bible shares so many insights on wisdom, how to get it, what it is and isn’t, and what happens when we lose it. 

The apostle Paul talked about wisdom in this week’s reading, in James 3:13-18. He starts out, “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, NIV). Paul then goes on to describe earthly wisdom that is “unspiritual, demonic.” The apostle warned that around a person who is envious and has selfish ambition, we will also find “disorder and every evil practice” (verse 16). Then he moves on; thankfully, he doesn’t dwell on these negative thoughts!
 

Paul continues by saying, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven” (verse 17, NIV), and offers an entire list of what we can expect when we possess this kind of wisdom. First, we can expect it to be pure. What does that mean? Some definitions of purity include: “wholesome and untainted by immorality,” and “free of contamination.”  
 

What else can we expect from possessing godly wisdom? Here’s Paul’s list: “peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (verse 17, NIV). What an amazing list of good things we can look forward to having in our life when we open our heart and mind to the wisdom from heaven! 

If all these good and wonderful things are available to us, we need to take every opportunity to live a “good life” and show “deeds done in humility.” James concludes chapter 3 with this verse: “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (verse 18, NIV). The world desperately needs this kind of wisdom and peace—and we can be the ones who display it.