The Application of Wisdom

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 NIV

Throughout life, we learn many things, some through study, others in the school of hard knocks. Wisdom is the application of the sum of that accumulated knowledge. In self-reflection, we strive to find responses to any number of questions. We attempt to answer the Why and the What. Why did this happen? What if I responded this way instead of that? It is a process of learning. We store all that information; as we have new experiences, we compare it against our current suppositions and hopefully make changes based on this further information (hopefully). From this catalog of knowledge and conclusions, we have the beginnings of wisdom.

James writes that humility comes from wisdom, and our actions should be the result. Counter to God's wisdom is that of the world, which is based on not humility but self-aggrandizing, claiming knowledge even when it does not exist, “Look at me, I have all the answers.” (The source of countless self-help books and TV shows.) But it is by faith we recognize God as the true source of wisdom. Through spiritual discernment and the working of the Holy Spirit, our earthly wrong-thinking becomes that of Christ. Its application is not for or about us; it is for the good of others. Wisdom is selfless.

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the wisdom you have given us. We confess we are tempted to conform to the world’s standard, claiming knowledge to glorify ourselves instead of you. Forgive us; we pray and help us remember in all we do to show humility, as Jesus showed humility. Help us put others ahead of ourselves to further your kingdoms. We ask this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim