Wisdom
By Marilynn Chadwick
Do you want to be wise? King Solomon did – and God blessed him mightily. If we lack wisdom, we should ask God. The prayer for wisdom is a prayer he loves to answer.
But first, the Bible warns us about the dangers of earthly wisdom: “This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (James 3:15-16 ESV).
Notice the contrast between earthly wisdom and heavenly wisdom in the two power-packed verses that follow:
“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, free from prejudice and hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace”(James 3:17-18 MOUNCE).
Heavenly wisdom is pure. Peace-loving. Gentle. Reasonable. Merciful. Get the point? The wisdomfrom above bears little resemblance to its power-hungry, earthly counterfeit. Earthly wisdom has a swagger. It’s powerful. Commanding. In control.
Perhaps that’s the reason Evefound earthly wisdom – with its promise of power –irresistible:
“So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruitand ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her,and he ate”(Genesis 3:6 ESV).
Yet true wisdom comes with its own kind of power. Heavenly wisdom produces humility, which can be translated “bridled power.” Jesus uses the same term to describe himself: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29 NIV).
Think about it. The all-powerful King of the universe, wisdom personified, described himself as humble. The sick were healed, the dead raised. Demons trembled in his presence.
Heavenly wisdom in human form. May this be the kind of wisdom we seek... the wisdom that comes from above.
Lord, I ask for wisdom. Your kind of wisdom. May I be attentive to your voice, sensitive to your gentle whisper. Lead me in the pathway of true wisdom, always accompanied by humility. I pray this in the name of the humble Savior, Jesus.
Experience the transforming power of hearing God's voice
Hearing from God through His Word brings you life-changing wisdom and confidence.
That’s why we want to thank you for your gift today by sending you a copy of Hearing the Voice of God by Pastor David Chadwick. It’ll show you:
- How to hear the voice of God through His Word
- The incredible depths of God’s love for you
- How to develop a deeper and stronger relationship with God
- Insights and inspiration for your life with Christ
God wants to communicate with you, and Hearing the Voice of God, takes you through the Gospel of John to show you how to hear God speaking powerfully and personally through His Word.
Don’t miss all you can gain from this powerful 4-month devotional book. And don’t miss your opportunity to give below to give more people a reason for hope in Jesus.
Thank you!
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