Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. James 3:13-18

DEFINITION AND ATTRIBUTES OF WISDOM

In the first 12 verses of chapter 3 James has been warning us about the dangers of our speech. He knows we must have God’s wisdom to speak rightly. Proverbs 17:7 Excellent speech becometh not a fool: much less do lying lips a prince. We must act wisely in speech and behavior. The following attributes are mostly defined by Webster’s Dictionary; however, true wisdom is God given. It is a spiritual quality of the man or woman who walks with God. There is a greater application of these qualities in the Christian as we live out our lives in this evil world. We need God’s wisdom every day, not just when we face times of adversity and perplexity.

·        Wisdom – Knowledge and the capacity to use and apply it.

·        Knowledge – Learning; clear perception of fact, truth, or duty; that which is gained by instruction.

·        Discernment – Ability to distinguish truth and falsehood, virtue and vise, and to perceive differences in things and ideas.

·        Judgment – The ability of our mind to compare ideas, examine facts, and find truth.

·        Discretion – Ability to make correct and proper decisions, especially regarding our own conduct.

·        Skill – Knowledge of any art or science including communication skills, our education, employment, etc.

·        Prudence – Foresees and avoids evil; makes cautious decisions with thought of the future.

ASK GOD FOR WISDOM

We must recognize our need of wisdom. Too often we take too much pride in our own abilities. We have a do-it-yourself attitude. We must realize that we are dependent upon the grace of God working in us each day.

Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Proverbs 4:7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. 

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5

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