I watched in horror, embarrassment, anxiety, and several other emotions almost two weeks ago at the supplemental interrogation of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. According to polls and the interest of the American people, I wasn’t the only one who felt this way.
While I have plenty of opinions about the subject and the behaviors of senators, I only want to use that very painful and public demonstration as an example.
It’s an example about wisdom.
The Apostle James wrote prominently about wisdom. He encouraged those who follow Jesus to seek wisdom and to ask God for His bountiful supply. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
In his letter, James kept coming back to the subject of wisdom. He pointed out the two kinds of wisdom and the results which each kind brings. He showed the results of earthly wisdom and the contrasting results of heavenly 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, of the devil. 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”–James 3:14-17.
The implication is clear. Earthly wisdom–no matter how well intentioned–will produce earthly results. This will include disorder and every evil practice. The final result will not be good.
To the contrary, wisdom that God gives will produce exactly the results we all want. Godly wisdom produces Godly results. This kind of wisdom produces peace and kindness. Godly wisdom is above all else pure. It is also peace loving and peace producing. It brings exactly what we want when we seek wisdom.
It makes such good sense to seek God’s wisdom and not to rely on our own understanding. Unfortunately, a world without God does not understand the work of God. That’s where you and I come in. Let us demonstrate a life of depending on God and seeking His wisdom. Our “good lives” will help others see the wisdom that comes from above.
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