Pure Wisdom from Above
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. Proverbs 3:18 (NLT)
When King David died, his son, Solomon, became king. Biblical scholars believe Solomon was between 12 and 20 years old when he ascended the throne. Shortly after Solomon became king, God appeared to him in a dream and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon asked for a discerning heart to govern the people and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. God honoured his request. He gave him not only a wise and discerning heart, but also wealth and honour. God also promised him a long life if he walked in obedience to Him and kept His commands (1 Kings 3:5-15). Solomon knew that divine wisdom was key to his role as king. Solomon, who wrote the wisdom literature in the book of Proverbs, urges us to earnestly search for wisdom as if it were a hidden treasure. He understood that when we find wisdom, we will find joy. He understood that we have more to gain from wisdom than silver, gold or rubies. Than anything we deem valuable in this world.
Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 3:13-15 (NLT)
More than a thousand years after Solomon wrote His poetic words on wisdom, Jesus’ brother James wrote words that give us practical insight into wisdom. We will use some of His insights to proclaim and pray into.
James 3:17 (NLT)
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
In this verse, James ascribes some character traits to wisdom. This suggests that we need these character traits to express wisdom. Character traits such as purity of heart, peace-loving, gentle, flexible toward others, merciful, charitable, impartial, and sincere don’t always come naturally to us. We need to develop them. We can develop them when we allow Holy Spirit to empower us. Holy Spirit will empower us to be mindful of our behaviour, so we can walk wisely in these evil days, not as fools (Ephesians 5:15). Just as Solomon desperately needed divine wisdom in his role as king, so do we in the roles we fulfil in life. Let us be eager to yield to God so that whatever we do will be done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
James 3:13 (NLT)
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.
Pray & Proclaim:
Thank You, Lord, for Your divine wisdom. Help me to develop the character traits I need to live life wisely. Empower me by Your Holy Spirit so I can develop a pure heart, be peace-loving, gentle, flexible toward others, merciful, charitable, impartial, and sincere. Empower me to do the good deeds You ask me to do, in humility. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV)
