Are you wise? “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10). People who fear the Lord show it by praying. We return to our first love that burns with a holy fear of God. We are not scared to death of God. Fear of the Lord brings life, knowledge, and wisdom.
I have never thought of myself as especially wise. Sometimes I need to know what God wants me to do. In 1:4, James tells people like me who lack wisdom, to ask God who gives generously to all. What would wisdom from God look like? James picks up his previous theme and shows us. Wisdom is demonstrated in our humility. True wisdom is not marked by bitterness, envy, or selfish ambition. Truly wise people do not spend their energy tearing others down. They know that criticism is not one of the spiritual gifts. Where there is no wisdom, people run amuck.
Positively, wisdom from God is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere. These qualities mirror the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). When we work to make peace with others we are showing wisdom. When we plant peace, we reap righteousness.
Singer Barry McGuire sang, “If you want more knowledge then you need to go to college, but wisdom comes from God.” Think about the wisest person you know. I remember a man named Alvin at the first church I served as pastor. Alvin was a tire builder at General Tire in Waco. He also had a large farm with Brahma cattle. When conflict erupted in the church, he always worked to calm the people. He never threw gasoline on a fire. Over the passing of time, he was respected and trusted as a person with wisdom.
My professor and mentor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Virtus Gideon was wise, too. He told me once, “In every church you will find somebody who sits in the counsel of God. They will speak the truth to you in love. Knit your soul to that person.” These words helped me to relate to Alvin and countless other leaders in the churches I have served. I hope that God will give me a portion of the wisdom and kindness Alvin and others have shown me.
