James 3:13 English Standard Version

Wisdom from Above

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

Having just completing a study plan of strengthening faith, I concluded with a comment that the lost can see wisdom where they cannot see our faith.

Opening my bible app this verse was the verse of the day. James is famous for comment on faith and works but here he makes the connection between conduct and wisdom. Having just made my comment in the lesson plan this verse feels like confirmation that my comment has some validity.

Since all things work together for good according to Romans 8:28 there is this togetherness of faith, works, wisdom, will and need that seems to fit into many of the scenarios we encounter in this life in Christ. Need is mentioned because human needs always seem to be a contact point for reaching the lost.

Need abounds around us to the point that it can overwhelm us. How do we know that God is calling us to meet a need? Faith identifies God’s will in the effort and wisdom teaches us how to approach the situation best to glorify God and not make it all about us.

Wise faith allows others to identify God at work in us. It is best that we do not boast.

2 Timothy 3:2 King James Version (KJV) For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Boasting is listed with some of the more undesirable traits in mankind.

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 8:24 to boast of others in the things they do for God, recognizing God at work in them, not ourselves.

Nevertheless the flesh does love to think, “Look at what I have done.” Let that be a warning if those feelings emerge, the flesh wants credit.

Jeremiah 13:16 English Standard Version (ESV) Give glory to the Lord your God before he brings darkness, before your feet stumble on the twilight mountains, and while you look for light he turns it into gloom and makes it deep darkness.

Job 22:27-29 English Standard Version

²⁷ You will make your prayer to him, and he will hear you, and you will pay your vows.
²⁸ You will decide on a matter, and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways.
²⁹ For when they are humbled you say, ‘It is because of pride’; but he saves the lowly.

Is this true? It is in the bible and it sounds right but is it true?

This speech is made by Eliphaz the Temanite. He is one of the three friends that came to comfort Job in the midst of all Job’s pain. Much was said by his friends.

Job 42:7 English Standard Version

The Lord Rebukes Job’s Friends

⁷ After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.

There are glimmers of truth here and just enough to make the comments sound Godly. It is obvious from 42:7 that God does not like to be misrepresented. If we love the Lord then our representation of His Words, in word and deed, need to reflect glory to His Holy Name. Glory is God’s reputation and His reputation is pure, honest and true. His glory is impeachable. It is His opinion of His Son Jesus Christ.

James 3:17 English Standard Version (ESV) But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

The wisdom that comes from about is a gift from God to represent Him as He intends. It is no worldly wisdom that sounds good and in humanistic terms pleases people but this is about pleasing God.

James 1:5 English Standard Version (ESV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

Wisdom is used to represent God accurately.