Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.

Devotion based on James 3:13-15

What does it mean to be wise? What does it mean to possess wisdom and understanding? The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates is attributed with saying, “I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.” King Solomon, the wisest man ever, came to a similar, sober conclusion when he pursued human wisdom. In the book of Ecclesiastes, he wrote: “For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.” Just as having more money doesn’t mean more happiness, having more earthly wisdom doesn’t mean a more satisfying life.

Thankfully, God has shown us another kind of wisdom. This wisdom is much more than the accumulation of information or the acquisition of insight; it is a way of life. True wisdom that comes from heaven “is first of all pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”

This wisdom can be seen perfectly in the life of Jesus Christ. It’s demonstrated in his mercy towards sinners, in his submission to his enemies, in his patience with his disciples, and finally in his selfless sacrifice on the cross. Jesus not only shows us the best possible way to live, but in his wisdom, he saved us from the control of sin and the penalty that it deserves.

When the Holy Spirit leads us to understand who Jesus is and what he has done for us, true wisdom is born in our hearts. This wisdom leads us to put away all bitter envy and selfish ambition. It helps us see through the false wisdom of this world that is earthly, unspiritual, and of the devil, and follow Jesus by sowing peace so that we, too, might raise a harvest of righteousness.

Prayer: