My dictionary defines “wisdom” as “Understanding of what is true, right, or lasting.” And both the biblical Hebrew and Greek words translated as “wisdom” affirm this emphasis on “understanding.” Wisdom is about more than factual knowledge. It is about wisely interpreting and responding to that knowledge.
In Proverbs 3:13-15, King Solomon declares wisdom to be the most precious of all possessions, “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies, nothing you desire can compare with her.” And later in 16:16, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver!” (Pr. 16:16).
The past two weeks I have shared two biblical descriptions that identify those who are authentic followers of Jesus as “people of light” and “people of compassion”. “People of wisdom” is a third identification marker.
I again say that I believe our “being” cannot be separated from our “doing.” And so, I believe that being people of light, compassion, and wisdom means these Godly virtues are a visible witness to the presence of God’s Kingdom and the rule of Christ in our world of darkness, uncaring, and foolishness. As James would say “faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:26).
James asks in 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. This is how you can recognize a “wise person.” This is confirmed by Jesus in his response to those critical of him in Matthew 11:19, “But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
In verses 14-18, James clearly describes two different kinds of wisdom that will be on display in the world. “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. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
Please note that where there is a lack of heavenly wisdom there are behaviors of “disorder and every evil practice.” Now contrast that with what behaviors the apostle Paul says heavenly wisdom will produce; “pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
With our nation suffering the twin pandemics of covid-19 and political darkness, I prayerfully suggest this be our wisdom meter for national leadership as we consider and compare those soliciting our vote on November 3.
The apostle Paul cautioned the Ephesian Christians to “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” (5:15-17). According to Paul, the followers of Jesus are obligated to live “not as unwise but as wise” and to “understand what the Lord’s will is.”
In the preceding verses, beginning in 4:32, Paul makes it clear what kind of wisdom and behaviors God expects from people who claim to be “children of light.” To be “people of wisdom” is to seek knowledge about what gives God pleasure, and publicly displaying behaviors that imitate God and Christ. (5:8-11).
Like James, Paul is making a case for a kind of practical wisdom that makes conduct consistent with faith. A wisdom that “walks the talk” and makes “the most of every opportunity.”
This wisdom comes from God as we make right decisions and apply scriptural principles to our daily circumstances. This wisdom comes from living a disciplined life. This wisdom comes from keeping your eyes focused on God and his Word and you ear listening to his Holy Spirit. This wisdom comes when we commit to a love relationship with Jesus Christ. Amen!
The Prayer of Serenity
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
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“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – September 2, 2020
Ray M. Geigley
Healing Rays of Righteousness 
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