Seeking Jesus First - May 22, 2023
Wisdom has a voice. It has a language. What happens when we learn what wisdom sounds like and how wisdom speaks? First, we learn to recognize wisdom. Second, we recognize the difference between true wisdom and false wisdom.
“Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice? She takes her stand on the top of the high hill, Beside the way, where the paths meet. She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city, At the entrance of the doors: “To you, O men, I call, And my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, And you fools, be of an understanding heart. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, And from the opening of my lips will come right things; For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips. All the words of my mouth are with righteousness; Nothing crooked or perverse is in them. They are all plain to him who understands, And right to those who find knowledge. Receive my instruction, and not silver, And knowledge rather than choice gold; For wisdom is better than rubies, And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.” (Proverbs 8:1–11, NKJV)
Wisdom does not hide when it speaks.
Wisdom does not whisper in the ear.
Wisdom speaks from a high or prominent place.
Wisdom calls people out of foolishness.
Wisdom speaks of excellent things
Wisdom speaks about what is right.
Wisdom speaks truth.
Wisdom hates wickedness and would never speak wickedly.
Wisdom’s words are full of righteousness.
Wisdom never says anything crooked or perverse.
When wisdom speaks, a person with understanding will hear it in plain words and a person of knowledge will know that it is right.
Wisdom is pore precious than silver, gold and precious jewels. It is more precious than anything that a man could desire.
Knowing how wisdom speaks protects the understanding person from false wisdom.
If someone is trying to speak quietly in your ear so that others do not hear, it is probably not wisdom.
If it tries to entice you into foolishness, perverseness, or wickedness, it is not wisdom. Wisdom will not convince you to lie, cheat or steal. Wisdom will not convince you to pursue the lust of the flesh.
Wisdom does not use bad language (swearing or cursing).
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:13–18, NKJV)
Those who have wisdom and understanding conduct themselves with the meekness of wisdom. Meekness is the quiet resolve of reserved strength and peace.
False wisdom, or earthly wisdom, contains bitterness and envy. It is self-seeking and does not care about truth. It is based on emotion, self defense and self promotion. It results in confusion and strife and every evil thing.
But heavenly wisdom is peaceable. It puts the soul at rest. It is gentle, unselfish, willing to yield, full of mercy and full of the fruit of the spirit. It does not show partiality and is not hypocritical.
The next time we are faced with a difficult situation, let’s look for wisdom. Ask God for wisdom and then look for it. Weigh the different arguments on the scale of James 3:13-18. Let Holy Spirit guide us with His peace.