Wisdom: A Redefining Moment
What is wisdom and where does it come from? Does it come from the center of a tasty treat you get at the end of a Chinese meal? Can you find wisdom on top of a mountain from an old man sitting cross-legged in a cave? Does wisdom come from a set of textbooks assigned be a college professor whose list of papers and research takes up volumes? Or, does wisdom, come from something higher than what this world has to offer? Well, the answer depends on what kind of wisdom you are looking for.
In the last half of James 3, God wants the reader to know that there are two kinds of wisdom: earthly and heavenly. What I find curios is that in this redefining moment God does not just come out and say that earthly wisdom is foolish and wrong. Instead, He uses James to point out the nature and underlying motivation for the two kinds of wisdom. James states that the earthly wisdom sounds good, but at its heart are selfishness and jealousy. However, heavenly wisdom is pure and righteous.
Let me give you an example. An ancient Chinese proverb states, “Don’t do something to someone that you don’t want done to you.” Sound familiar? Well, it should. Jesus said, “Treat others as you want to be treated.” At first glance, they are both wise sayings. However, if you dig deep enough you will see my point. The first statement is very passive and takes action only when the person using desires or wants something in return. You can sit on my own butt all day long without lifting a finger unless I feeling getting what you want. The second statement is very active and challenges the user to act even without a specific motivator or intention. With this kind of wisdom you are always challenged to get out side of selfish desires and self-serving attitude. Get the picture? That is earthly wisdom verses biblical wisdom.
Earthly wisdom can be found everywhere whether you are looking for it or not. Heavenly wisdom takes a little more effort and can only be found in the pages of the Bible though a loving relationship with God. So, as you make the choice in deciding which kind of wisdom is right for you, ask yourself the question, “What is the underlying motivation and end result of this wisdom.” Will absorbing that wisdom lead to only personal gain and pleasure or will it lead you to freedom, love, and mercy. It’s you choice. Which one to follow? Think about that the next time you open a fortune cookie.
In the last half of James 3, God wants the reader to know that there are two kinds of wisdom: earthly and heavenly. What I find curios is that in this redefining moment God does not just come out and say that earthly wisdom is foolish and wrong. Instead, He uses James to point out the nature and underlying motivation for the two kinds of wisdom. James states that the earthly wisdom sounds good, but at its heart are selfishness and jealousy. However, heavenly wisdom is pure and righteous.
Let me give you an example. An ancient Chinese proverb states, “Don’t do something to someone that you don’t want done to you.” Sound familiar? Well, it should. Jesus said, “Treat others as you want to be treated.” At first glance, they are both wise sayings. However, if you dig deep enough you will see my point. The first statement is very passive and takes action only when the person using desires or wants something in return. You can sit on my own butt all day long without lifting a finger unless I feeling getting what you want. The second statement is very active and challenges the user to act even without a specific motivator or intention. With this kind of wisdom you are always challenged to get out side of selfish desires and self-serving attitude. Get the picture? That is earthly wisdom verses biblical wisdom.
Earthly wisdom can be found everywhere whether you are looking for it or not. Heavenly wisdom takes a little more effort and can only be found in the pages of the Bible though a loving relationship with God. So, as you make the choice in deciding which kind of wisdom is right for you, ask yourself the question, “What is the underlying motivation and end result of this wisdom.” Will absorbing that wisdom lead to only personal gain and pleasure or will it lead you to freedom, love, and mercy. It’s you choice. Which one to follow? Think about that the next time you open a fortune cookie.
