Two Kinds of Wisdom

James 3:13 “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” 

            James 3:13-18 speaks of two kinds of wisdom, although I personally hesitate to refer to the second type ‘wisdom’ at all. If you have a bitter, envious, selfish attitude, it didn’t come from the Lord, but rather his evil counterpart, Satan. With envy and selfish ambition comes nothing of a positive or godly nature. These negative attributes produce chaos and disorder in due time. Sadly, even those who call themselves Christians can be prone to this type of attitude. 

            The way to combat these attitudes is to be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit within you (if you are a ‘true’ believer in Christ). Emulating Christ is paramount for the believer. Without his example how would we fully know how to live a godly life. Studying scripture will take you far, but it is easier for some (me being one) who learn better by seeing a lesson, even if it happens to be in our mind’s eye. Illustrations are plentiful in scripture and help us to know how to live as well. 

            Real and not fake humility is pretty easy to spot. Doing godly deeds without making a show of it is being humble. Making sure those around you know who you are and what you are doing is not. In Matthew 6:3 Jesus announces the following: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,…”. It’s absolutely NOT important if ANYONE knows what you are doing for another. Deeds done in humility is placing others before yourself. 

            Though not created for man, the Lake of Fire will be filled with those who professed to be followers of Christ yet didn’t live for him. That is trampling on God’s grace. It’s like taking a wonderful gift from someone, setting it aside and never opening it. In some cases, not even thanking the person for it. Follow God’s standards daily as you seek to resemble Christ. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries