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

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All of us want to be wise and understanding.  The more wise we are the better we can make decisions.  The more understanding we have we are the better we can help our family, our employees and our customers.  So, how exactly can we become wise?

In James chapter 3, we see a layout of what it takes to be wise.  The first part of the chapter is about controlling what we say.  We praise God and curse humans with the same tongue.  Which one do you think our tongue was created for?

Then, James talks about two kinds of wisdom.  One wisdom has all the right things to say, but deep down it is covering envy, bitterness and selfish ambition.  There is nothing wrong with ambition and wanting to do better, but forgiveness is the first step in becoming wise.

You must first accept God’s forgiveness, then forgive those who have wronged you.  If you hold on to bitterness, you are not hurting others, you are hurting yourself.  If you understood bitterness and holding grudges is like holding a burning coal in your hand, you would readily let go to relieve the pain and avoid further scaring.

Then, James ends the chapter by giving us a checklist for heavenly wisdom.  These are found in verses 17-18.  Ask yourself the following questions to see if you are wise:

• Are your actions and motives pure?
• Are you peace loving or do you look for the fight?
• Are you considerate of others?
• Are you willing to listen to others? (submissive)
• Are you able to see things from another’s perspective? (mercy)
• Are you maturing spiritually and discipling others? (good fruit)
• Do you play favorites? (impartial)
• Do you really care about others? (sincere)

We often don’t realize how important wisdom is for running our business and being a Christian in today’s world.  The world wants to hate us. They don’t really understand us.  Yet, what do we do to show them that we understand them.  What do we do to be the bridge that someone can walk across to get to know our Jesus?

When we act in humility rather than being on a high horse of religion, the world will notice.  When we show a good life rather than judge the lives of unbelievers, we are showing God’s love.  Live a good life and do good deeds.  Wisdom will follow and your faith will flourish.

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

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