Wisdom

Wisdom

James 3: 17 NLT

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 

We all believe we are wise but the truth is we are not as wise as we think we are.  We are not as willing to yield to those who are different as we should.  I could dispel your wisdom proclamation but you wouldn’t agree with me.  I will, instead, offer this “Wisdom Self-Test”.  Please be honest, no one else need to know your results.

1.      Should gay persons marry?

2.      Should Muslim immigrants to America forget their religion of Islam and be American with our Christian beliefs?

3.      Is Scientology a legitimate religion?

4.      Should women be able to choose abortion?

5.      Should couples be able to cohabitate?

To score the 5 question above, simply refer to James 3: 17 NLT.  How did you do?  Did you hold your answers to James 3:17? Did they reflect the wisdom of James 3:17?  Are you at least loving, gentle, and willing to yield to others?  Were your answers full of mercy and good deeds? Did you show no favoritism and always sincere.  Now I do not profess to be wiser than anyone else, I leave that to Jesus.  If nothing else, the test should be provoking.   Even though we don’t agree with everyone and everything, we should remember that we are not their judge and jury.  We don’t have to like it but be full of mercy.  God will judge each of us in turn, we should not.  We should not deny others’ their right

to enjoy the very same ones we enjoy.  We do not know what is in their heart so we are commanded by God to allowing them peace, love, and to be gentle at all times.  To deny someone in the name of God is to be denied the wisdom of God.

Psalm 25: 5 ESV

Lead me in your truth and teach me,   for you are the God of my salvation;   for you I wait all the day long.

Do you know His truth?  His truth on all things?  Are you willing to wager your salvation under the perceived knowledge that you know all God’s plans?  Would it be wise to second guess God?  As a Christian, we are appointed as good stewards of Christ.  And so being, we need to witness with humility, teach by learning, and love by loving all.

“The greatest test of whether the holiness we profess to seek or to attain is truth and life will be whether it produces an increasing humility in us. In man, humility is the one thing needed to allow God's holiness to dwell in him and shine through him. The chief mark of counterfeit holiness is lack of humility. The holiest will be the humblest.”-Andrew Murray

Proverbs 4: 5-7 NASB

Acquire wisdom! Acquire understanding! Do not forget nor turn away from the words of my mouth. “Do not forsake her, and she will guard you; Love her, and she will watch over you. “The beginning of wisdom is: Acquire wisdom; And with all your acquiring, get understanding.

Job 12: 12 NIV

Is not wisdom found among the aged?         Does not long life bring understanding?  

 Job 28: 28 NASB

“And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to depart from evil is understanding.’”  

Psalm 111: 10 NASB

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.  

Proverbs 1: 7 ESV

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.  

Proverbs 3: 7 ESV

Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.