Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. – James 3:13
Have you ever heard the term “educated fools”? It does not matter how much you know if you do not know how to apply that knowledge. James says to not only hear the word but do it (James 1:22). In today’s verse, wisdom is shown by actions and a humble attitude.
True humility and wisdom recognize the infinite power, might, and wisdom of God and the weakness of humans. God appears to take pleasure in sidestepping the wisdom of man. “Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father for such was your gracious will’” (Matthew 11:25-26). Paul elaborates, “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. … But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise: God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:25, 27).
Acknowledge the fact that you need God’s wisdom and when you receive it, humbly apply it to your life. Ask the Lord to open the eyes of citizens and elected officials of the United States to the need for godly wisdom and actions.
Pray for the decision-makers who are determining foreign and domestic policy to be guided by God’s wisdom. Pray for peace and unity in this country, especially in the Church, and that the Lord would use the United States to bring peace to the nations currently at war.
Today’s Verse: James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.
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: 1 Corinthians 12:1-10
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. 2 You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit.
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. 8 For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues.
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.
