A fool Will Always Ignore Divine Instruction
In the book of James, we learn about Practical Christian Living and he talks about wisdom. First, James addressed the power of words, and that a lost person can at times control his tongue. So James contrasts the foolish wisdom of the world with Godly wisdom from above.
It is true that, “People do stupid things.” God, however, has a different plan. God gives wisdom to all how ask for it. God’s word tells us that the most important thing we can do in life is to seek this wisdom from above. Listen to what the Bible says, Proverbs4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (KJV) God’s Word calls wisdom, “The Principal Thing.
The most precious things we can pursue is Godly wisdom. The Bible says in Proverbs 16:16, “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather be chosen than silver!” (KJV) Why is wisdom so important? Well I think we’d all agree this morning we have all done at least one stupid thing in the past one week.
Wisdom by definition is, “The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting; insight; common sense; good judgment, the sum of learning through the ages; knowledge
Wisdom is not always linked with age, experience or education. Take children for instance. Patrick, age 10, says, “Never trust a dog to watch your food.” Michael, age 14, says, “When your dad is mad at you and asks, ‘Do I look stupid?’ don’t answer him.” Michael also said, “Never tell your mom her diet isn’t working.”
There is a big difference between ungodly or worldly wisdom and Godly wisdom. Warren Buffett is the second richest man in the world. He is worth over $44 billion. In June of 2005, buffet decided to raise money for his charitable foundation, by offering an online auction in e-bay for someone to have lunch with him. The winning bid was $351,100—the price of access to the world’s second richest man.
If the value of worldly wisdom is that high for a lunch appointment; what price would we put on the wealth of wisdom we have right here in God’s Word? Let us examine the contrast today of Godly wisdom and ungodly wisdom
1. Godly Wisdom (Proverbs 13, 17-18) The Bible asks the question who is wise and understanding among you? Wise describes someone with moral insight and skill in the practical issues of life. Understand refers to one who is an intellectual and comprehends the world of science.
The Bible is defining the vast sum of wisdom and claiming how that wisdom will be demonstrated.
A. Shown in conduct (v.13a, 17) Godly wisdom is demonstrated in a life surrendered to God. This person does not have to boast about how wise they are, all will see it lived out in front of them.
Remember the Bible had earlier told us in James that anyone who was religious but didn’t keep a tight rein on their tongue their religion was worthless. We have also learned that to be a Christian is more than saying we are a Christian, we must Prove it bythe life we live.
James now outlines how this is done. He says in v.13 that our good conduct our works, will be evidenced by seven traits found in v.17:
- Pure—the word means clean or innocent. This is the wisdom that accomplishes good works with no false motives involved. It is a person whose life is a testimony of pure character and honesty before God.
- Peaceable—doesn’t mean a push-over. It is someone who strives to be at peace. One who remains calm under stress and has let go of anxiety.
- Gentle—a person who is mild mannered and patient.
- Willing to Yield—not one who is easily persuaded but one who can listen to all sides and is willing to do the right thing even if it isn’t their idea. They have a teachable spirit.
- Full of Mercy and Good fruits—their life is a life of compassion and honesty. They are known by their forgiving spirit and their impeccable character.
- Without partiality—impartial. They do not take sides or involve themselves in frivolous arguments. They seek to be peacemakers.
- Without partiality—impartial. They do not take sides or involve themselves in frivolous arguments. They seek to be peacemakers.
One Other Thing:
Everybody tithes: either to the kingdom of God or to Satan. Those who tithe to the kingdom of God are favored, honored, respected and blessed financially. If you find yourself being disregarded or disrespected or ignored, watch your faithfulness concerning the kingdom. Do you sell cars or goods and you are cheated by your agents or your customers do not pay you? Or your investments are bringing zero returns and you labor and others are the one enjoying your labor, it may be your faithfulness towards the kingdom needs to be improved. Be wise.
I used to be like that. Made good money but didn’t understand the principle of sowing and reaping/ tithe and others were enjoying my labor and I was suffering and struggling to survive. That is not the plan of God for you or me. Anointing of ease is our portion.
Look back. Calculate your income from January to date. How much do you enjoying yourself? Instead, not enough is still the order of the day. If you purpose like Daniel today: that every increase you accrue: income, rents, sales and business profit that you will honor God with 10%. Heaven will back and support you. The last four months of this year will be far better for you and your family than the first eight months.
I got this understanding in 1996. I started a business with no capital because I resigned from my job because of my faith. Within two years, it became a multimillion project. Why? Faithfulness in tithing. Be wise.
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