If only I had known…

How many times have you had to say, “If only I had known . . .”

One of the things we all need is wisdom to make good, Godly decisions.

I have really good news.

God has equipped us with the wisdom that we need. He provides for us the wisdom which is “from above.”

This kind of wisdom does exactly what we need it to do.

Actually, the Bible describes two kinds of wisdom. We get to choose which we want and what results we want as well.

The Apostle James (the half brother of our Lord and the leader of the church in Jerusalem) tells us about a wisdom that is earthly, unspiritual, and self-centered. That kind of wisdom produces exactly what you would expect. It is centered on selfish ambition and bitter jealousy and it produces exactly that kind of result (James 3:13-16).

This is exactly the kind of wisdom by which most decisions are made everyday.

Think of what we see in politics, government, business, and even families and churches. This is a wisdom that is centered on what I want, what I need, and what I intend to get for myself. That wisdom produces the disastrous results that selfish ambition can provide.

There is a better way.

That better way is the wisdom “from above.”

James said the wisdom from above is “First, pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy (James 3:17).”

What do you think purity, peace, and gentleness provide?

It’s easier for us to understand the value of the wisdom which comes from above when we think about ourselves. Do you want to deal with someone who works from selfish ambition or purity of heart and mind? Do you prefer deceit or sincerity? Do you want anger or gentleness?

If we want to be treated with sincerity and kindness, we certainly want to treat others based on motives which come from the Father of Lights who gives every good and perfect gift.

How do you receive the wisdom “from above?”

You simply ask. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him” (James 1:5).

Our God cares about all our needs. He provides every good and perfect gift.

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