Daily Bible Reading – 9.17.2021
James 3:13-18, 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. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
In contrast to pride and selfish ambition that characterizes ungodly wisdom is the wisdom that comes from above that is characterized by humility.
Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
There can be no real wisdom without a holy reverence for the one true God as revealed in Jesus Christ and proclaimed in the Word of God. For followers of Jesus, this wisdom accompanies the Holy Spirit dwelling within us and is manifested in particular situations as we ask God to make it clear.
So, we have the ability to enjoy the wisdom from heaven as we allow the Holy Spirit to increasingly take control of our lives.
Godly wisdom shows up practically in many wonderful attributes that reflect the holiness, mercy, love, kindness, impartiality, and peace of God. Wise people strive for Godly unity with others and, as a result, will see a harvest of Christ-like behavior in their own lives.
The fruit that wise humble, peacemakers produce creates a sense of loving community among believers that pleases God. It is characterized by humility instead of arrogance, unity instead of disunity, concern for others instead of selfishness. It looks like Jesus.
Question to Consider:
How is God using you to be a wise, humble, peacemaker bringing kindness, unity, and loving care to those around you?
Weekly Memory Verse:
James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.