Fear the Lord

A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.  – James 3:18

Someone may have a library full of books that he has read, but he may remain a fool. Knowledge does not make one wise. It was written in one Bible commentary that “knowledge is only a hewer of wood, while wisdom is the architect and builder.” 

The apostle James asks, “Who is wise and understanding among you?” He answers his own question: “By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13-14). True wisdom is visible in actions of meekness and calmness. Wisdom from above is characterized by purity of heart, gentleness of spirit, a lack of pretense or hypocrisy, and a concern for justice and peace. In fact, the wise are peacemakers and, in sowing peace, they reap a harvest of righteousness, both in their relationship with God, as well as with His faithful people (v.18).  

As James explains, false wisdom is of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Its effects are seen in people who are envious, self-seeking, boastful, and deceitful whose actions insight strife, chaos, and disharmony. Nothing good comes from those who claim this wisdom. 

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). In the New Testament, Jesus referred to the wise as those who heard His words, acted upon them, and were saved; they have a personal relationship with the Lord. Study God’s Word and know His truth. Let His Spirit rule your heart. Then pray for public officials, that they may know and believe in the only true God, and thus build upon the wisdom of the Founding Fathers, the architects of this nation.