November 6, 2011
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Where Does Your Wisdom Come From? James 7(3:13-18)
A. Two sources of wisdom
1) Wisdom of this world (13-15, Proverbs2:28)
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (13) But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. (14) Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. (15)
He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe. (Proverbs28:26)
2) Wisdom from heaven (17, 1 Corinthians 22-24)
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. (17)
Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. (Corinthians I 1:22-24)
B. Living according to wisdom from heaven
1) You won't be misled by earthly wisdom (16-18,Colossians 2:20-23,Luke 21:15)
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (16) 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. (17) Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (18)
Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules: "Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!"? These are all destined to perish with use, because they are based on human commands and teachings. Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence. (Colossians 2:20-23)
2) You will receive heavenly wisdom (Proverbs1:7,8:33,13:20,19:20)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7) Listen to my instruction and be wise; do not ignore it. (Proverbs 8:33) He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. (Proverbs 13:20) Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. (Proverbs 19:20)
Summary
There are two sources of wisdom: wisdom that comes from God and wisdom that comes from this world. Most people want to live wisely and it is crucial to choose and to depend on the right source of wisdom because this alters the course of our lives. The wisdom from above leads us into a life characterized by peace and happiness, not driven by our desires. The wisdom of this world appears to match our desires and many people do lead seemingly successful lives by following its dictates, but in the end worldly wisdom often leads to injustice and warfare. Let's choose to live according to God's wisdom by walking with Jesus daily.
For Discussion
1) What is the difference between worldly wisdom and heavenly wisdom?
2) Share an experience where you made a mistake by following worldly wisdom.