Full Of Mercy And Good Fruit

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. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

James 3:13-17

Wisdom is the beauty of holiness. James says wisdom is reasonable; flexible; forgiving; peaceful; caring; given to friendly visits; small acts of courtesy; and kind words. It is humble, transparent, simple, gentle, and gracious to the core.

Wisdom is the beauty of life. It can only be produced by God’s workmanship in us.

It is always good for us to ask whether we are growing in wisdom or not. We are either growing sweeter and wiser as the days go by, or we’re growing into foolish or even sour-faced curmudgeons. Ask yourself which way you are growing?

It is never too late to begin growing in wisdom. God loves us with an ardent, intense affection that can deliver us from our foolishness if we yield ourselves to Him. His love can make the most difficult nature into a miracle of astonishing beauty. It may hurt a little and it may take awhile, but God relentlessly seeks our transformation. When we ask, His wisdom will begin to rise in us and pour itself out to others.

We have been promised if we lack wisdom, we can ask, and His wisdom will begin to rise in us and pour itself out to others.

True wisdom begins and ends with God.

Our Daily Bread – July 25, 2013