In college, and for much of my adult life I thought the accumulation of knowledge, for knowledge’s sake was a great thing. (If you ask my family they will tell you I am full of “worthless knowledge.”)
Somewhere along the way I realized unless I could apply that knowledge to produce a good result it was, well, basically worthless. That is what wisdom is–it is the ability to apply knowledge to produce a good result–it is knowing the difference between right and wrong and taking the right course.
Now that I am a tad bit older I recognize that while knowledge is great, wisdom is far better. The book of Proverbs has a lot to say about wisdom, but one of my favorite verses is 4:6: “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.” What a powerful image! Wisdom will protect me and watch over me!!
But is all wisdom created equal? James, the very practical half brother of Jesus, tells us no, it is not. In James 3 he tells us there are two kinds of wisdom: there is wisdom that originates with man, and wisdom that originates with God. Regarding the wisdom of man James says, “it is earthly, sensual, and of the devil.” Man’s wisdom is of the world, it is sensual, and of the devil. Man’s wisdom manifests as bitter envy and selfish ambition, and is the cause of disorder and evil practices.
God’s wisdom, on the other hand is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, and impartial and sincere. God’s wisdom results in a harvest of righteousness.
It is pretty easy to see man’s wisdom in my life: it shows up as envy and selfishness. It is just as easy to see God’s wisdom reflected in my life: I have pure motives when I make a decision, when I work for peace in a situation, when I am considerate of even those who cut me off on the freeway, when I am merciful and display the fruit of the spirit, and when I am impartial to everyone and sincere in my actions.
So, what will it be for you today? Will you try to run your life on your own power exercising man’s wisdom, or turn your life over to God and seek righteousness in His wisdom?