Brothers and sisters, today we delve into the profound concept of wisdom. It’s a quality we all seek, yet its source and nature can often be misunderstood. As William Arthur Ward eloquently stated, “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.” This analogy introduces us to the essence of wisdom – discerning inner qualities, exhibiting good judgment, and possessing the God-given ability to judge correctly. Today, we will explore the critical distinction between earthly wisdom and the wisdom that descends from above, a wisdom that transforms our understanding and aligns us with God’s divine purpose
The Deceptive Nature of Earthly Wisdom
The Apostle James provides a stark contrast between two types of wisdom. He cautions us against “this [superficial] wisdom” that is “earthly (secular), natural (unspiritual), even demonic.” This wisdom, rooted in worldly principles, is characterized by jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder, unrest, and morally degrading practices.
This earthly wisdom often masquerades as intelligence. It may manifest as eloquence, shrewdness, tact, logical skill, and persuasive argumentation. However, as Matthew Henry astutely observes, true wisdom is not merely about thinking or talking well; it is about living and acting well.
This wisdom is “carnal or worldly,” originating from earthly principles and influenced by worldly maxims. It is also “natural or sensual,” stemming from our soulical nature – our intellect, emotions, and moral inclinations – often driven by our natural appetites rather than spiritual influences. James even identifies a “demonic” aspect to this wisdom, akin to the nature of demons, marked by malignant passions, contentions, strife, divisions, and every evil work. This wisdom, brothers and sisters, is a far cry from the divine wisdom we are called to seek.
The Divine Source and Characteristics of Heavenly Wisdom
In stark contrast to earthly wisdom, there is a wisdom that comes “from above.” This heavenly wisdom is first and foremost “pure [morally and spiritually undefiled],” then “peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits.” It is “unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile].”
This wisdom is a gift from the Spirit of God. As 1 Corinthians 2:14 reminds us, “But the natural [unbelieving] man does not accept the things [the teachings and revelations] of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness [absurd and illogical] to him; and he is incapable of understanding them, because they are spiritually discerned and appreciated, [and he is unqualified to judge spiritual matters].”
This divine wisdom is often expressed through kindness. Kindness, in its essence, is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It is selfless, compassionate, and merciful, demonstrating its power most profoundly in our interactions with our enemies and the least among us. Kindness embodies the ability to speak with love, listen with patience, and act with compassion.
Embracing God’s Wisdom in a World of Foolishness
The world’s wisdom stands in stark opposition to God’s wisdom. 1 Corinthians 1:18 declares, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” The world, in its wisdom, did not know God; instead, God chose to save those who believe through the “foolishness of what was preached.”
The message of Christ crucified is a stumbling block to some and foolishness to others, yet 1 Corinthians 1:25 proclaims, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.” As Paul reminds the Corinthians, “Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly–as infants in Christ.”
Let us, therefore, not be deceived by the allure of earthly wisdom. Instead, let us seek the wisdom that comes from above, the wisdom that humbles us without degrading us and exalts us without inflating us. As the theologian Charles Hodge beautifully stated, “The doctrines of grace humble a man without degrading him and exalt him without inflating him.”
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom; and in getting it, get understanding.” -Proverbs 4:7
Soloman
My brothers and sisters, the choice is clear. We can pursue the wisdom of this world, which leads to strife, confusion, and ultimate emptiness. Or, we can embrace the wisdom from above, characterized by purity, peace, gentleness, compassion, and kindness. Let us fix our minds on the wisdom of God, which is Christ Jesus, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. May we all be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that we may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Amen
