Two Kinds of Wisdom

Wisdom is wonderful! 

Wisdom is the art of understanding the world and how to live in it for your joy and success. 

Wisdom is the secret ingredient to better decisions, flourishing relationships, and fruitful work.

Who doesn’t want a big tasty slice of that every day!?

But there are two kinds of wisdom. Both will help you succeed in life, but they look very different. 

We see both of them in James, here is the first kind.

“But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such ‘wisdom’ does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” James 3:14-15 NIV

Selfishness and envy may help you succeed in life, but they are evil. Have a look at how envy works.

Love says, “I’m happy when you’re happy, and I’m sad when you’re sad.” Envy says, “I’m happy when you’re sad, and I’m sad when you’re happy.” Could anything be more terrible?

Now take a look at God’s wisdom to see how it compares.

“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere.” James 3:17 NLT

This kind of wisdom couldn’t be more different from evil wisdom that’s full of envy and selfishness.

God’s wisdom is good because he is good! Delight in God’s way of living and ask him for help. We all need it.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:5 NLT

JACOB MIERENDORFF