Godly wisdom and worldly wisdom are not the same. Worldly wisdom is based on self-promotion. People controlled by desire for worldly status or wisdom will try to promote themselves. They cannot be trusted because their motives are warped—and they will use their influence for personal gain. They eventually cause problems, For where envy and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. (Jas. 3:16 KJV)
James warned against worldly wisdom when he said, This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. (v. 15)
Godly wisdom, on the other hand, is characterized by meekness. James has something to say about it, too: But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (v. 17,18)
Lord, help us desire godly wisdom.
Originally published November 28, 1986.
Picture: Viewed from the street, Winona, MN, 2009. Photo by Solveig.
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