Who do you consider wise? Sometimes it’s hard to discern if a person is truly wise or if they are just really good at playing the part. I think it’s too easy to assume people are wise because they do a good job deceiving and convincing us otherwise. Some people are really good actors. They can act wise and look wise by talking a good talk, but sooner or later we may find ourselves disappointed in their actions because we failed to use discernment.
James asks a very good question in James 3:13,
“Who among you is wise and understanding?”
James tells us how to judge if a person really is wise and understanding. The rest of that verse says, “Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.” If we truly are wise, then the fruit of that wisdom will be seen and heard in our lives, in the words we speak, and the way we behave. The choices we make in our lives indicate our wisdom or lack thereof. Look at the behavior of those you admire and deem “wise”. What does their conduct say about them? Have their choices in life shown their lack of wisdom?
Many times people talk about their wisdom, but James is saying here that actions speak louder than words. People often try to talk up their wisdom by sounding big and smart with their words; and sometimes it really is deceiving. They say just the right things to make us think they know more about something than we do. This can especially be true when the topic is a subject we know nothing about. We assume they are “experienced”, so we begin to trust their “expertise”. That trust may build over time until we find ourselves entrusting more to that person. Not only do we trust their “wisdom”, but next we may trust them with our financial decisions, our possessions, or our future plans.
We need to be careful not to allow man’s word to trump God’s wisdom. We shouldn’t be too quick to buy into everything someone tells us. Do your research and pray about it. Go to God first and ask Him for guidance and counsel, rather than rushing into a decision on impulse. Oftentimes, our emotions are what push us to act rashly. After we seek God, we need to get Godly counsel from other brothers and sisters in Christ who are walking in wisdom. When those believers give you the right counsel, take their insight to the Lord and ask for discernment. Don’t be too quick to dismiss counsel you don’t agree with. Counsel is not wrong just because it doesn’t align with your agenda. You could be receiving right counsel but fail to have “ears to hear.”
The name most commonly associated with wisdom in the Bible, is Solomon. 1 Kings 3:5 tells us the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked him, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!”
Solomon responds in 1 Kings 3:9,
“Give me an understanding heart so that I can govern your people well and know the difference between right and wrong. For who by himself is able to govern this great people of yours?”
Solomon asked for wisdom and the Lord gave it to him.
We are not Solomon, so is heavenly wisdom still available to us? Of course! Then where can we go to find wisdom? The Bible – God’s Word. It’s not that some people have access to wisdom while others are cut off.
James 1:5 clearly tells us,
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”
We straight up ask for wisdom – just like Solomon asked for it. Do you want to gain wisdom? Are you humble enough to ask God for it and to seek His wisdom in His Word? Not only should we ask for wisdom, but when we receive it, we need to put it to work.
I immediately think of the account recorded in 1 Kings 3:16-28 where Solomon wisely judges between two mothers. Solomon had to decide which mother was telling the truth and which one was lying. His right judgement shows us that one part of wisdom is made up of knowledge and discernment and the other part is action. Action is applying that discernment. Wisdom is not just knowing something. Wisdom is being able to put that knowledge to work and do something about it (1 Kings 3:24).
Maybe your struggle is not with asking for wisdom, but in receiving the right kind. James 3:15-18 gives us two different types of wisdom: earthly and heavenly. Earthly wisdom comes from “beneath” and it consists of “jealousy” and “selfish ambition”, and the result – the fruit of this human, earthly wisdom is “confusion and every evil thing.”
Heavenly wisdom is the “wisdom from above.” The character of this wisdom is wonderful. It is full of love and a giving heart, consistent with the holiness of God. It is described as “pure”, “peaceable”, “gentle”, “open to reason”, “full of mercy and good fruits”, “impartial”, and “sincere.” This wisdom carefully weighs the truth and can be seen by the fruit it produces. It doesn’t just think and talk about things the right way; it produces fruit. There’s no hidden agenda or selfish motive with heavenly wisdom because it comes from God.
Take every bit of counsel you receive from others and compare it to God’s Word. Look at what comes out of someone. Look at the fruit of their life. The way of heavenly wisdom bears “good fruits”. These fruits are from the transformation that comes from the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in one’s life.
God is not a God of confusion. Be patient and wait for Him to guide you. He already knows the future and He knows what you need. Trust Him when He speaks to your heart and obey His Word. And if He feels silent and your prayers seem to go unanswered, continue to seek Him and His wisdom. He is Sovereign and His timing is always perfect.