JAMES 3:13-18

There are two kinds of wisdom, both of which have their own “reward.”
There is worldly wisdom, the kind that the serpent introduced in Eden
when he planted the idea that God was selfish
and choosing to withhold what was good from His children.
He had his own agenda and presented
what he thought would entice mankind to embrace it.
Cloaked in the bold and lofty pretense of concern for man, he succeeded.
However, within a very short time, man realized that what seemed good to him
was but a way for another to reach his own goal.
They had been manipulated!
That's the way worldly wisdom is, so be on guard.
Research its past history. Check out its fruit.
You'll find it delivering only that which confuses, wounds and kills,
both individuals and relationships.

Godly wisdom presents differently.
It is attired differently, in a coat of humility.
When viewed closely, one sees that its verbal presentation
is matched by behaviors that are gentle, kind, patient, and merciful.
There are no patches of favoritism or hypocrisy,
but a genuine concern for the well-being of all.
Others find it attractive and seek to know the Designer of such simple elegance!
It is in line with Scripture, never contradicting or twisting what God has spoken,
so study the Word
and you will be able to discern which is which!

Prayer:
God, we want to be people who know You and Your Word
so that we can rightly differentiate between
that which presents as wisdom in our world
and that which is Godly wisdom.
Help us to “live out” what we have been and are being taught by You!

Twila Charles Leichty
February 15, 2010