GODLY WISDOM
James 3:17 (NASB 1995) But the wisdom from above is pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.
We know from scripture that there are two kinds of wisdom, godly wisdom and earthly wisdom. Wisdom is so important. Wisdom is simply knowledge applied. A good definition of godly wisdom is practical use of knowledge with discernment, perspective, and the ability to make sound judgement. The Bible says that my people perish because of a lack of knowledge. The Word also says right here in the book of James that if any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who will give it to him liberally without finding fault. We need knowledge, but we also need the wisdom of God to apply that knowledge. In our verse for today, we get an understanding of what godly wisdom looks like when it is operating through a person. When you are walking in godly wisdom, it shows up in these eight characteristics or qualities of wisdom. God’s wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy, good fruits, unwavering, and without hypocrisy. So, if these things are in your decisions and in your life, you are operating in the wisdom of God.
The earthly wisdom that the world operates in and can get on us has quite the opposite effect on people. Earthly wisdom has jealousy, contention, pride, and defiance wrapped up in it. This wisdom, the Bible says, is earthly, unspiritual (animalistic), and downright devilish. With this earthly wisdom comes evil works. We must be careful to know when we are walking in God’s wisdom or the wisdom of this world. I don’t think God is talking about the common sense that He gave us. The Word of God brings us the knowledge and the will of God, and then, when we ask God for wisdom, He gives us His wisdom and knowledge to apply. When you walk with God, He will give you wisdom to walk daily in things that seem natural. Because He cares about every part of your life, He will give you wisdom in your marriage, your relationships, your job, concerning your body, and anything else that concerns you. Wisdom, the God kind of wisdom, is available for the asking. Ask!