wise and understanding
Here James presents a challenge: What is wisdom? Do you have it? It may be hard to really put our finger on what wisdom is, but we can see some things it does for the one who has it:
· gives happiness (Proverbs 3:13)
· keeps, preserves, promotes, honors (Proverbs 4:5-10)
· preserves discretion and knowledge (Proverbs 5:1-2)
· gives life (Ecclesiastes 7:12)
· strengthens (Ecclesiastes 7:19)
· insures stability (Isaiah 33:6)
Rather than exalting ourselves or explaining what wisdom we have, we can simply live. If wisdom is operating in us, it will be evident in our good conduct, in our works, and in our humility. (Keep in mind, wisdom and pride do not cohabitate!)
Are you lacking the results of wisdom in your life? Perhaps you are in need of more wisdom. How will you acquire it? When Jesus was telling His disciples of the future course of events, it was sounding pretty bleak in a lot of ways. Yet He inserts the hope: He said these difficult times would also be opportunities, and He said He will “give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.” (Matt.21:15) Jesus gives wisdom.
It has been said that ‘understanding’ is knowing things in their right relationship. A way to remember that might be “standing-under” truth. Jesus gives understanding (a place to stand under His forgiveness and authority – a right relationship), so that we may know and have a good relationship with God and with other people. This wisdom operates in a meekness, or humility, which keeps in perspective our own unworthiness before the Creator of the Universe, and values the preciousness of other people.
Read and Pray: 1 John 5:20, Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 111
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