May the mumbling commence!
True wisdom is known by its attitudes, words and actions. There are many things that masquerade as wisdom, but only one that actually is wisdom. Read what James has to say about wisdom from James chapter three:
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his 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, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
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. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (Verses 13-18)
James tells us to show our wisdom by our lives, by deeds done in humility. Wisdom is greater than knowledge. To know is one thing, but to apply that knowledge is wisdom.
But beware if you believe that you know the truth and are practicing it. Beware that you do not become conceited. Remember that attitudes of the heart are just as important (or perhaps more important) than the actions themselves.
Do all things in humility before the Lord of wisdom. All true wisdom comes down from heaven. What does the attitude of this heavenly wisdom look like? It is pure, peace-loving, considerate, and submissive. To whom do we submit? We submit to God. Heavenly wisdom is full of mercy and good fruit. It is impartial and sincere.
These godly attitudes preclude any envy or ambition. What we do, we do unto God and for the glory of God. We are but humble servants and instruments.
These godly attitudes also mean that we must watch what we say. Do not boast about your own wisdom. Receive your wisdom humbly from your Lord. If we were to boast about our own wisdom, we would deny the truth.
We would sow the seeds of envy and ambition. All sorts of evil will flow from these kinds of attitudes of the heart. They are the deceptive wisdom of the devil.
Let us quell disorder and strife by seeking peace, by sowing peace. Together, hand-in-hand, we will plant a harvest of righteousness that will grow by the Spirit of the living God and that will bless us with righteousness.
Should I stand on my “soap box” and proclaim my perception of the truth as THE truth? No. I come this day – and every day – to the wisdom of the Scriptures. I am humbled by the depth and breadth of the Word of God. I do not hold THE truth in my hands, but I know where to find it.
Let us join together so that we may understand godly wisdom more and more. We need each other and the grace of the Lord through the Holy Spirit to understand this true wisdom. True wisdom will shape our attitudes, words, and actions.
Enough mumbling for now…
Peace Out
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