Wisdom From Above
Scripture Reading — James 3:13-18
The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving …
James 3:17
According to 1 Kings 3 in the Bible, King Solomon was told by God that he could ask for anything he wanted, and he would receive it.
Instead of asking for a long life, riches, popularity, or power, Solomon asked for wisdom. He understood that the “wisdom that comes from heaven” is the one thing we need more than anything else if we are to be what God wants us to be.
According to our reading in James for today, wisdom is not some intellectual gift that makes us intelligent. True wisdom does not come from a high I.Q. or from high scores on college entrance exams. True wisdom is a gift from God, given to help us live life as God expects us to. It is the kind of wisdom that affects every area of our everyday lives.
Says James, “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.” This is the wisdom each one of us needs. Putting our faith into practice, hearing God’s Word and doing it, begins with asking God for his wisdom (James 1:5). Without it, we cannot be what God wants us to be.
Ask God today and every day to fill you with his wisdom. Pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit to help you experience “the wisdom that comes from heaven.”
Lord, our God, give us your wisdom to help us understand your Word and to live by it every day. Guide us into peaceful, wise living that shows your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Arthur J. Schoonveld
Rev. Art Schoonveld is a retired minister in the Christian Reformed Church. Before retiring in 2001, he served churches in California, Illinois, and Michigan. Since his retirement he has worked part-time for the denomination and has served as an interim pastor. Art and his wife, Anita, have four children and nine grandchildren.
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