God's Attributes Reflected in Us预览

We may draw on God's wisdom

“The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17)

Yesterday we read how foolish “the wisdom of the world” is. Opposed to that is “the wisdom from above.” That wisdom comes directly from God.

James contrasts both kinds of wisdom. Earthly wisdom he calls “unspiritual and demonic.” This wisdom is characterized by “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition.” Unfortunately, the world is full of this, and we experience the consequences daily. The wisdom from above is quite different, as you can read in today’s Bible verse!

So wisdom is not limited to intelligence or theoretical knowledge. It also has a strong moral component. It is expressed in “good conduct” and “good fruits.”

We humans do not possess this “wisdom from above” from ourselves. Not even if we are born again. But that need not discourage us. Let us listen again to James: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5) That does require a humble attitude. For when we ask God for wisdom, we thereby acknowledge that our own wisdom falls short.

What is your stance on this? Do you feel dependent on God's wisdom, or do you think you can manage on your own?

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