James ChallengeSample

WHAT IS THE SOURCE OF YOUR WISDOM?

'Wisdom is the knowledge we need to live in this life and to interact with our circumstances and with those around us'. James compares the two basic sources of wisdom; from God or from the world around us.

The scripture 'by their fruits you shall know them' is reiterated!

'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. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice'. (3:13-16)

These are the fruits of worldly wisdom. Nothing good can come out of us trying to justify our jealousies. There can be no good result when we are motivated to protect, advance or focus on ourselves at the expense of others. There is no security or peace when everyone is primarily concerned for their own interests. There is no humility in this type of wisdom!

'But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere'. (3:17)

James is describing the wisdom that God displays towards us! This is who He is:

• pure, Everything God says is pure; He is a shield for those who take refuge in him – Proverbs 30:5
• peace-loving, For God is not a God of disorder but of peace – 1 Corinthians 14:33
• considerate and submissive, “Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”- Matthew 11:28-29
• full of mercy, For the LORD your God is a merciful God – Deuteronomy 4:31
• Impartial and sincere, God is just – 2 Thessalonians 1:6

God is wise in all these ways and He wants you to be the same towards everyone. So as James 1:5 says ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you’. Let us get the right wisdom!

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