But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
(James 3:14-18, NASB)
The world has wisdom of its own. It is a wisdom that says, “I know everything and am in total control. Therefore, I don’t need a god.” The worldly wise are selfish, looking out only for themselves.
That’s not the wisdom the Bible talks about. Godly wisdom is selfless. Those of us who follow Christ and seek the Father’s will grow to know our triune God more intimately through His word.
We learn about loving our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). We learn about godly humility and meekness (Matthew 23:12; Philippians 2:5-9). We learn about taking up our cross (Luke 14:27). We learn about the fruit of the Spirit manifested in each of us (Galatians 5:22-23).
That wisdom is so very different than the “intellect” the world sees as wisdom. It has nothing to do with book knowledge or degrees or facts. It has everything to do with a pure heart.
How wise are you? Are you so busy trying to attain worldly wisdom that you neglect to seek wisdom that will last through eternity?
Seek God’s wisdom, a wisdom that is pure and gentle and merciful. A wisdom that loves and serves both God and those around you.
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