Growing in godly wisdom
If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 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 the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. James 3:13-17
From the text, James describes the difference between godly wisdom and earthly wisdom. Worldly wisdom is selfish. It only seeks out personal gain and pursues sensual pleasures. It takes what it wants even if it cause ill-feeling towards others. James said that this is far different from the wisdom that comes from God. Godly wisdom seeks out a life that honors and glorifies God. Its goal is to know God more and His will for one’s life. Before sin entered in the world, Adam and Eve were only concerned in obeying God. But when Satan came by and enticed them to disobey God by pursuing their own selfish desires, they were cut off from God. Sin hinders people from experiencing godly wisdom. There is so much confusion, fighting, lack of contentment, purposelessness and discouragement in this world because of the absence of godly wisdom. Without godly wisdom, there is lack of understanding regarding trials and circumstances in life. Wisdom from God is needed so that you will understand how to respond to your circumstances and instead of being overcome by them, your resolve is to trust God for He has a plan for such experiences. As a Christian, you can gain wisdom by asking God for it. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking” (James 1:5). God will not hesitate to give you heavenly wisdom once you ask. When you realize that you are conflicted and not equip to face trials and circumstances in life, by faith ask God to provide you wisdom. With heavenly wisdom, God provides you His perspective as you deal with issues in life. Learn from God, ask Him, and meditate in His word so you will gain godly wisdom. “My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands... For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:1, 6).
Blessings.
