If You Would Be Wise...

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

James 3:17 

I may have mentioned that one of my favorite books is "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkein.  And when I think of wisdom, Gandalf the Grey comes to mind.  Wisdom must be pure or else is isn't wisdom, it's just words.  Consider this: Wisdom says, "Watch where you step" which is pure, clear counsel.  It is not judgmental.  It is not a reprimand.  It is pure, clear counsel.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that true wisdom:

     * comes from God (the source of all love and wisdom)

     * is pure (as perfect love should be)

     * peace loving (not argumentative) 

     * gentle at ALL times (not stubbornly proud)

     * willing to yield to others (knows that getting one's own way all the time is pride, not wisdom)

     * full of mercy ("compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.")

     * fruit of good deeds (help others through encouragement and doing good)

     * shows no favoritism (this is one aspect where we get into trouble.  We all have our favorites.  But true wisdom, may have favorites, but does not show favoritism because wisdom is for everyone equally).

     * always sincere (true wisdom is authentic in love and caring and encouraging and helping).

We must strive to be wise.  James also reminds us that if any of us LACKS wisdom...ask God for it and He will give it freely and without hesitation!

My First Sergeant was wise when he said "My job is to make YOU look good. Because when YOU look good it makes ME look good. And I look GOOD!"