Not Confusion, But Peace – The Presidential Prayer Team

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason. – James 3:17

There is earthly wisdom and there is godly wisdom. Both use knowledge but, from that point forward, there are stark differences. The apostle James relates wisdom in terms of behavior. One of the best examples is Daniel.

He and his three friends were taken from Judah to Babylon to serve before King Nebuchadnezzar. They were to be educated for three years and feast on food from the king’s table. The aim to assimilate them into the culture of the Chaldeans was met by their resolve not to defile themselves with the food from the king’s table. Their conduct through it all gave glory to God (Daniel 1).

Those who primarily care about earthly gain obtain knowledge that makes them feel superior. The acquisition of worldly knowledge may be motivated by jealousy or selfish ambition, self-centeredness, or loveless arrogance and is not of God. It is important to realize that “God is not a God of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Those who seek wisdom from above will be characterized by purity, an attitude of peace, gentleness, and reasonableness. Their daily conduct will be an application of the knowledge of God through their study of the Word and prayer.

As Matthew Henry wrote, “True wisdom is God’s gift. It is not gained by conversing with men nor by the knowledge of the world… but it comes from above.” It is seen in those who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ and desire to serve and obey Him. Ask the Lord to help you walk in His wisdom, then intercede for those who serve in government office, that they may do the same.

Today’s Verse: James 3:17

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Daniel 1:3, 6, 8-9, 17-20

Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility,

⁶Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah.

⁸But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. ⁹And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs,

¹⁷As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. ¹⁸At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. ¹⁹And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. ²⁰And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom.