True Wisdom
There are many books and individuals out there who all claim to know what true wisdom is and if you only buy into their way of thinking then you can be truly wise as well. Most of the time, when these so called experts actually start speaking, it becomes clear that their brand of wisdom is simply foolishness. The Bible offers a clear description of what wisdom is, “10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 wisdom comes when we have knowledge of God and what His word says. In fact, the Bible is filled with many wise topics; from finance, relationships, to how to deal with bosses and coworkers. Every situation that we face day by day is a topic that is discussed within God’s word. This is why James offers a test to see if the advice that we are given is truly wise.
13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
James 3:13-18
As we have already stated, true wisdom comes from the knowledge of God. Of knowing that we are sinners and can only be reconciled to Him through the free saving grace of salvation through Jesus Christ. So for those who claim to have wisdom, it will be seen by their actions. They will possess the fruits of the Spirit, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23.
It is interesting to note that James states that those with wisdom will be gentle, and he immediately points out that those who are bitter, jealous, with selfish ambition have a form of “wisdom” that is earthly. That is lowly, not true wisdom, and demonic. If true wisdom is the knowledge of God, then false wisdom denies Him. Therefore, anything and anyone claiming to be wisdom but denies the power of God is false and will have the characteristics that God hates. “16 There are six things that the Lord hates, Seven that are an abomination to Him: 17 Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil,19 A false witness who declares lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.” Proverbs 6:16-19.
As James closes his third chapter, he compares and contrasts the differences between true and false wisdom. False wisdom causes disorder. It is the lie that Satan told Eve, “He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1b. False wisdom is the belief that your sins won’t catch up to you. “10 You felt secure in your wickedness and said, ‘No one sees me,’ Your wisdom and your knowledge, they have led you astray; For you have said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one besides me.’” Isaiah 47:10. This world today pushes a lot of false wisdom, and when we follow this advice we often find ourselves in situations that are more difficult then where we were before.
However, if we take the time to study what God’s word says about wisdom we can see that true wisdom allows us to look at the troubles of the world with a peaceful mind. We can respond to tough situations with the full knowledge of God and be able to give mercy to those who would wish to cause us trouble. In doing so, we plant seeds in those around us who are wishing to seek wisdom. When we respond to situations as God wishes us to, then we accurately show the world the free gift of salvation that comes from knowing what true wisdom is. True wisdom only comes when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
Alex