Godly Wisdom

Today’s reading is James 3.

At the beginning of James’s letter, he encouraged us to ask God for wisdom. If we ask in faith, with no doubting, God will give us wisdom. Of course, He gives us wisdom by letting us endure trials to produce steadfastness. Steadfastness will have its perfect work, growing us to maturity and completeness.

As we grow in wisdom, notice what will grow in our lives: purity, peaceability, gentleness (meekness), reasonability, mercy, good fruits, impartiality, sincerity. These are the exact opposite of all the power struggles we discussed with the earthly, unspiritual, demonic wisdom of jealousy and selfish ambition.

James says, “A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” Jesus said peacemakers are blessed because they shall be called sons of God. Peacemakers are following in the footsteps of Jesus. This statement about harvest and sowing can be seen in two ways. First, if we sow peaceful wisdom in our own lives, we will bear the fruit of righteousness. Second, in the context of the chapter, talking about teachers, those who teach from God’s wisdom sow in peace and harvest others who pursue righteousness.

May we sow God’s word and will in the meekness of wisdom in the lives of others. That doesn’t mean all others will respond properly. They have their own choices to make. However, the only way to a harvest of righteousness is to sow in the peace and meekness of wisdom.

Next week’s reading is James 4.

PODCAST!!!

Click here to take about 15 minutes to listen to the Text Talk conversation between Andrew Roberts and Edwin Crozier sparked by this post.

Discuss the Following Questions with Your Family

1. What are your initial reactions to the chapter and the written devo above?
2. Notice that wisdom is demonstrated in James 3 the same way faith is in James 2. How is that?
3. What do the characteristics of God’s wisdom mean? What will our lives look like if we live by them?
4. Why is it hard to pursue the meekness of wisdom when the world is telling us to pursue the strength of power and revolt? What advice would you give to pursue meekness and peace?
5. What do you think we should pray for and about in light of this chapter and today’s post?