Heavenly Wisdom
James 3:13-18
13 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. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 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. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
The beginning of a new year is often a time for reflection and resolutions. Many people turn their focus to health or wealth, but James asks a far more important question. “Who is wise and understanding among you?”
One of the wisest men I ever knew was my dad. He showed his wisdom by his good deeds and by the humble way he lived his life. He was a quiet man who led by example. When he did speak, it was always worth listening to. He loved and cherished his family. He served the church and school faithfully. His neighbors, friends and employees all respected him. He was someone who gave generously in ways no one knew about until after he died. This month marks 35 years since that tragic day, but his humble example still shapes my life today.
My dad’s wisdom was a direct result of his faith in God and a life submitted to the will of God. This humble submission is not popular today. We live in a culture that has elevated individualism and focuses on taking care of yourself above all others.
Humble wisdom wasn’t popular in James’s day either. In today’s passage he contrasts two types of wisdom: the heavenly wisdom given to believers by God and the “wisdom” of a life lived apart from Him. One is marked by humility, gentleness and mercy, consideration and sincerity. The other brags about its selfish ambition and envy. One leads to peace and righteousness, the other to disorder and evil practices.
As you begin this new year, I’d encourage you to take some time to consider what kind of wisdom characterizes your life? Your deeds? Your New Year’s Resolutions?
“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.” (James 1:5) Heavenly wisdom is given to us through words of God in Scripture, and comes to us through the Word made flesh, Jesus Christ.
Wisdom begins with “the fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 1:7) and grows as we come to know Him more and more. This happens when we spend time with Him – in prayer, in Scripture, in worship.
Just like the humble wisdom of my dad shaped my life, the perfect wisdom of God shapes and molds us into a reflection of Him. We become transformed into His likeness and our lives will be characterized by the same humility, mercy, tenderness and compassion that Jesus Christ demonstrated through his life, his death and his resurrection.
Who is wise and understanding among you? May we all seek to be filled with heavenly wisdom in 2025 - living testimonies to the good news of Jesus Christ and the peace that only He can bring.