“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. But if you harbor 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. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But 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. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:13-18 NIV
- It takes godly wisdom to get along with others
“Get wisdom, get understanding…” Proverbs 4:5 NIV
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 NASB
- Wisdom is knowledge, with understanding. It is seeing and understanding life from God’s perspective
- Walking in godly wisdom is an ongoing process(Vs. 13)
- Lack of wisdom causes serious relational problems
“For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” Vs. 16
Wise Commitments to Live By
“But 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. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” Vs. 17-18
- I will not compromise my integrity
- Wisdom is pure
“People with integrity walk safely…” Proverbs 10:9 NLT
- I will not antagonizethe anger of others
- Wisdom is peace-loving
“Any fool can start arguments; the honorable thing is to stay out of them.” Proverbs 20:3 GNT
“A wise man controls his temper. He knows that anger causes mistakes.” Proverbs 14:29 LB
- I will not minimizethe feelings of others
- Wisdom is considerate
“Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.” Proverbs 15:4 GNT
- I will not be closed-mindedor closed-hearted
- Wisdom is submissive
“A fool thinks he needs no advice, but a wise man listens to others.” Proverbs 12:15 LB
- I will be quick to forgiveand not emphasize other’s mistakes
- Wisdom is full of mercy
“Love forgets mistakes; nagging about them parts the best of friends.” Proverbs 17:9 LB
- I will be honest about my own personal faultsand weaknesses
- Wisdom is impartialand sincere
“People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.” Proverbs 28:13 NLT