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THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE: GET IT!

Writer's picture: Olufunmilayo AdekusibeOlufunmilayo Adekusibe
 

Today’s Reading:

James 3:17-18

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy, good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy (V13)

 

Wisdom is said to include truths, facts, information and the general application of knowledge. Biblically, wisdom is seen as the God-given and God-centered discernment, regarding the practical issues in life. When God asked King Solomon what he wanted him to give to him, Solomon asked for an understanding mind to govern the people, so that he could discern between good and evil (1 King 3:5-9). He wanted and asked God for wisdom. It is general knowledge that there are four classes of wisdom known to men. These are: earthly; intellectual; devilish; wisdom from above. While the classes are explicit from their names, our focus is on the “wisdom from above”, which is God’s wisdom typified. It is also imperative to mention some of the characteristics of the earthly wisdom which include: bitter envy, self-seeking in the heart, sensual, demonic, confusion, appearance of evil things, (James 3:14-15). The sources of this class of wisdom are: human beings and the devil.


On the other hand, the (Godly) “wisdom from above” is characteristically: first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy (V17). This true wisdom is a divine gift granted by God to any believer who asks (James 1:5). It is based on the unconditional love of God for man. Several scriptures describe God as: the only wise (Rom 16:27), the One who makes foolish the wisdom of this world (1Cor 1:20) and promises to destroy the wisdom of the wise (V19). The importance of “wisdom from above” can be seen through the Old and New Testament books. King Solomon not only received a wise and understanding heart from God, in response to God’s asking of what to give him, God also pronounced that there had not been anyone like him, before him, nor shall any like him arise after him (1 King 3:12). No wonder that later in his life, Solomon wrote the Book of Proverbs, referred to as the Book of Wisdom. He ascertained that wisdom is the principal thing (Prov. 4:7); that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10); Jesus Christ is personified as wisdom in Prov. 8; wisdom is said to be better than rubies and nothing desired can compare with it (Prov. 8:11). Also, in his other book – Ecclesiastes, Solomon wrote in Ecc 7:12 that wisdom is a defense and it gives life to those who have it. In Ecc 8:1, he says a man’s wisdom makes his face shine and (9:18) says wisdom is better than weapons of war.

Some of the many known benefits of wisdom from above include: It will promote you if you exalt it; it brings you honor when you embrace it; will place on your head an ornament of grace, will deliver to you a crown of glory (Prov. 4: 8-9); will increase your knowledge of God; will inherit glory; you have God’s protection, strength, peace, prosperity, guidance, good health and long life; you have a good self-image; and able to do things that please God. Given all these, the wise question to ask is – how can I get wisdom? Solomon advised in Prov. 4:7 that Wisdom is the principal thing, therefore get wisdom; and that how much better to get wisdom than gold (Prov. 16:16). Gladly, Apostle James says “if any lack wisdom, let him ask of God who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). If you desire wisdom, therefore, ask God in prayer, in humility, having faith to receive. Live in total submission and obedience to God and be fully built on the Word of God.

                                                                                    CHRISTIE KUPOILUYI


 

To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud, “Father, I acknowledge my sins against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the pastor or priest, as the case may be.


 

Prayer:

  1. Father, we thank you for Your wisdom, which you give liberally.

  2. Lord Jesus, we appreciate You as wisdom personified.

  3. Father, endow each of Your children with wisdom to live for You and, therefore, be able to achieve our God-given purposes on earth.

  4. Father, please endow Your Servants with wisdom, so that they can lead the church to the height You want for it.

  5. Father, please fill the leaders of our nation with wisdom to rule.

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