Post by Cindy on Jan 16, 2023 10:48:12 GMT -5
“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.” (James 3:13–18)
James pointed out that earthly wisdom differs from heavenly wisdom in a number of ways. First, the source is different. While the “wisdom” (Gk. sophia) from above originates in the heart and mind of God, earthly wisdom originates with the devil. Godly wisdom communicates concern for others through a gentle, yielding, merciful spirit; earthly wisdom is selfish and reveals a bitter jealousy toward detractors. Godly wisdom is productive; earthly wisdom confuses and tears down through evil intent. By analyzing the source, intent, and result of wisdom one can discern whether or not it is worthy of acceptance.
The Two Types of Wisdom
Worldly Wisdom
Sees the message of the Cross as foolishness (1 Cor. 1:18)
Does not know God (1 Cor. 1:21)
Boasts in men (1 Cor. 3:21)
Takes pride in human knowledge (1 Cor. 8:2)
Is puffed up (1 Cor. 4:6)
Criticizes leadership (1 Cor. 4:8)
Relies on the power of words (1 Cor. 4:20)
Takes pride in personal accomplishments (1 Cor. 4:7)
Scoffs at differences (1 Cor. 12:21)
Insists on personal rights (1 Cor. 8:9)
Is insensitive to others (1 Cor. 8:11)
Arrogantly wounds others (1 Cor. 8:12)
Leads to envy, strife, and division (1 Cor. 1:10; 3:3)
Is full of malice (1 Cor. 14:20)
Is subject to “fall” (1 Cor. 10:12)
Will be caught in its own craftiness (1 Cor. 3:19)
Has immature understanding (1 Cor. 3:1; 14:20)
Will not last (1 Cor. 3:15)
Spiritual Wisdom
Realizes the message of the Cross is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18)
Demonstrates the power of God (1 Cor. 2:5)
Glories in the Lord (1 Cor. 1:31)
Knows the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16)
Seeks meekness and humility (1 Cor 2:3)
Submits to spiritual leadership (1 Cor. 14:37; 16:16)
Relies on the power of God (1 Cor. 4:20)
Recognizes God as source of everything (1 Cor. 6:19, 20)
Respects diversity (1 Cor. 12:11)
Becomes servant of all (1 Cor. 9:19)
Edifies others (1 Cor. 8:1)
Seeks another’s well-being (1 Cor. 10:24)
Pursues unity (1 Cor. 12:13)
Walks in the way of love (1 Cor. 13:1)
Stands up under temptation (1 Cor. 10:13)
Maintains self-control and discipline (1 Cor. 6:12; 9:27)
Develops maturity (1 Cor. 2:6)
Will last (1 Cor. 3:10–14)
Wisdom is the process of discernment in which choices are weighed and alternatives judged. For the godly person, choices are always to be made in keeping with God’s purposes and desires. Wisdom is regarded as being very practical in application. It flows from a reverential awe of God and a deep respect for God’s Word (Prov. 1:7; 2:6). The wise person is repeatedly described as one who acknowledges, relies upon, and trusts God’s superior understanding. Wise decisions are those that keep a person from all that is wicked and perverse (Prov. 2:7–9, 12). In Proverbs, Wisdom begs and pleads for women and men to choose the way that leads to health and life, the way of fearing the Lord that brings purpose and meaning to life and the development of a living relationship with God. Wisdom for the believer is a knowledge of God’s will that allows her to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord (Col. 1:9, 10). Wisdom is evident when a person leads a life that is marked by purity, peace, gentleness, a yielding spirit, mercy, and “good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). The Good News throughout Scripture is that the Lord gives wisdom liberally and without reproach to all who ask Him (James 1:5, 6). In other words, if we ask the Lord in faith to show us what to do, what to say, and how to live, we can count on Him to reveal to us His answer. The Woman’s Study Bible
James pointed out that earthly wisdom differs from heavenly wisdom in a number of ways. First, the source is different. While the “wisdom” (Gk. sophia) from above originates in the heart and mind of God, earthly wisdom originates with the devil. Godly wisdom communicates concern for others through a gentle, yielding, merciful spirit; earthly wisdom is selfish and reveals a bitter jealousy toward detractors. Godly wisdom is productive; earthly wisdom confuses and tears down through evil intent. By analyzing the source, intent, and result of wisdom one can discern whether or not it is worthy of acceptance.
The Two Types of Wisdom
Worldly Wisdom
Sees the message of the Cross as foolishness (1 Cor. 1:18)
Does not know God (1 Cor. 1:21)
Boasts in men (1 Cor. 3:21)
Takes pride in human knowledge (1 Cor. 8:2)
Is puffed up (1 Cor. 4:6)
Criticizes leadership (1 Cor. 4:8)
Relies on the power of words (1 Cor. 4:20)
Takes pride in personal accomplishments (1 Cor. 4:7)
Scoffs at differences (1 Cor. 12:21)
Insists on personal rights (1 Cor. 8:9)
Is insensitive to others (1 Cor. 8:11)
Arrogantly wounds others (1 Cor. 8:12)
Leads to envy, strife, and division (1 Cor. 1:10; 3:3)
Is full of malice (1 Cor. 14:20)
Is subject to “fall” (1 Cor. 10:12)
Will be caught in its own craftiness (1 Cor. 3:19)
Has immature understanding (1 Cor. 3:1; 14:20)
Will not last (1 Cor. 3:15)
Spiritual Wisdom
Realizes the message of the Cross is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18)
Demonstrates the power of God (1 Cor. 2:5)
Glories in the Lord (1 Cor. 1:31)
Knows the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16)
Seeks meekness and humility (1 Cor 2:3)
Submits to spiritual leadership (1 Cor. 14:37; 16:16)
Relies on the power of God (1 Cor. 4:20)
Recognizes God as source of everything (1 Cor. 6:19, 20)
Respects diversity (1 Cor. 12:11)
Becomes servant of all (1 Cor. 9:19)
Edifies others (1 Cor. 8:1)
Seeks another’s well-being (1 Cor. 10:24)
Pursues unity (1 Cor. 12:13)
Walks in the way of love (1 Cor. 13:1)
Stands up under temptation (1 Cor. 10:13)
Maintains self-control and discipline (1 Cor. 6:12; 9:27)
Develops maturity (1 Cor. 2:6)
Will last (1 Cor. 3:10–14)
Wisdom is the process of discernment in which choices are weighed and alternatives judged. For the godly person, choices are always to be made in keeping with God’s purposes and desires. Wisdom is regarded as being very practical in application. It flows from a reverential awe of God and a deep respect for God’s Word (Prov. 1:7; 2:6). The wise person is repeatedly described as one who acknowledges, relies upon, and trusts God’s superior understanding. Wise decisions are those that keep a person from all that is wicked and perverse (Prov. 2:7–9, 12). In Proverbs, Wisdom begs and pleads for women and men to choose the way that leads to health and life, the way of fearing the Lord that brings purpose and meaning to life and the development of a living relationship with God. Wisdom for the believer is a knowledge of God’s will that allows her to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord (Col. 1:9, 10). Wisdom is evident when a person leads a life that is marked by purity, peace, gentleness, a yielding spirit, mercy, and “good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17). The Good News throughout Scripture is that the Lord gives wisdom liberally and without reproach to all who ask Him (James 1:5, 6). In other words, if we ask the Lord in faith to show us what to do, what to say, and how to live, we can count on Him to reveal to us His answer. The Woman’s Study Bible
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