Happy Monday!
This subject of wisdom is one that has fascinated me for long. What exactly is wisdom? Who can be said to be wise?
In the mind of many people (including mine until recently), wisdom is measured and revealed by words. I looked out for the wisdom of a man (and woman) by what s/he said. I sought out “wise words” hoping become wiser by reading and listening to the words. That is until I came across these words:
13 Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. 14 Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. 15 It’s the furthest thing from wisdom—it’s animal cunning, devilish conniving. 16 Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats. 17 Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. James 3:13-17 (MSG)
The words of a man alone, no matter how lofty or inspired they appear cannot reveal him to be wise. Those words must be backed up with actions. In fact, those words must be the fruit of a holy life. Any purported wisdom that eschews a holy life is a devilish wisdom.
In the sight of God, the faithful wife is wise. The loyal worker is wise. Wisdom is revealed by a holy life. Like Jesus, wise teachers must be those that do and then teach (Acts 1 :1)
Have a great week!
NB: Watch Area Doctor video on the health truth about cold water.