Who Is Wise?

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his 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, of the devil. 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.” James 3:13-17.

My Bible’s commentary defines wisdom in the sense of this passage as ‘what enables one to face trials with pure joy. It is not acquired information but practical insight with spiritual implications.’ I have always thought wisdom was knowledge and intellect which has always been a source of insecurity with me. Since childhood my self-appointed role has always been peacemaker and seeking harmony above all else. Many times seeking peace was greater than seeking God and His wisdom. We must have a balance in developing the mind of Christ. All of us are very proficient in several of these areas but lack some of the other attributes.

I could not help but notice in this passage that where there is envy and selfish ambition is also disorder and ‘every evil practice.’ In meditating on this idea it seems that envy or selfish motivation in any form opens the door to every possible sin. When we live our lives apart from God (even in the smallest areas) we no longer access His purity, His peace, His mercy and the humility required to serve Him. For where there is disorderly thinking and inner conflict there are conflicting desires - your's vs. God's. Through seeking His wisdom we access the virtues of Christ and are better equipped to see the world through the eyes of God.

God guides you to get rid of wrong desires and replace them with His desires using His ideal qualities as demonstrated by Jesus when He walked in our world.