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Godly Wisdom and Worldly Wisdom

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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 3:17

True wisdom comes from the Lord and not from the world. In today’s message we will look at the wisdom from heaven and also at the wisdom concerning the understanding of the world and of people.

We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing (1 Corinthians 2:6). This is what the Lord says about worldly wisdom. This is not the same as intelligence or worldly education which is quite different from Godly wisdom. We can see highly educated people today making bad decisions and living in Satan’s lies. Everyone who does not accept Christ as their Savior lives believing Satan’s lies, from which their worldly wisdom is based.

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 3:17). This verse describes the heart of a person with Godly wisdom. Godly wisdom takes others into consideration when making choices and when praying. Godly wisdom is based on Truth as opposed to worldly wisdom which is based on Satan’s lies. Godly wisdom motivates a person to learn more about the ways of God and to seek wise counsel whenever possible. Worldly wisdom usually seeks to reinforce our own wisdom and doesn’t seek God’s guidance but often seeks support for what our itching ears want to hear. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3). This verse tells us that people often seek wisdom based on what their itching ears want to hear, and they will find people who will support them.

People with Godly wisdom have an understanding that is not available to people with worldly wisdom. I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God (Ephesians 1:16-17).  With Godly wisdom comes insight into understanding the ways of God, how the Holy Spirit connects us to God, how we walk in love, peace, and joy, and how we know we have eternal life. Godly wisdom allows divine insight into the world’s situation and of Satan’s evil plan.

Godly wisdom comes from the Word and fills our hearts as we pray, fellowship with other Christians, and strive to walk in obedience with the Lord’s will. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking (James 1:5) . Through this verse James motivates us to pray for wisdom. This wisdom will be realized by a deep understanding of the Word, more faith to walk in the will of God, and the desire to consult the Lord before making choices.

Today, pray for Godly wisdom and seek to make wise choices in your thoughts and words. Learn to listen intently in order to gain understanding and then respond in Godly wisdom.

Let’s Pray: Lord, guide me today to walk in your wisdom. Fill my heart with your love because love is the foundation of your wisdom. Keep me from being self-centered and drawn to worldly wisdom which is based on Satan’s lies. Free me from Satan’s lies and show me the way of your divine truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.