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IBS 6 - James 3:13-17

James 3:13-17
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from 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, demonic. 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.”

Wisdom is such a wanted thing. People go out and study for years upon years to gain wisdom. It’s so desirable. But they never really get it. They just become knowledgable. The have earthly wisdom. There is such a want for wisdom, but it’s so hard for people of the flesh to grab a hold of it. Like the verse says, wisdom of the world is unspiritual and demonic. Has selfish ambition and envy. There is disorder and evil practice. People think that they need to cheat and lie and that’ll show that they have wisdom. If they get away with it, they think they were smart. 
I’ve always wanted wisdom. But I’ve always looked at it as not really God given. I’ve always known that, but I didn’t act upon that. I’m selfish and envious. I think so much about myself and my needs that I forget about others needs. I’m jealous and critical. I’m earthly. But I long for heavenly wisdom. 
Wisdom from heaven is peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and sincere. That wisdom is honest. People have such trouble gaining that wisdom, because being considerate, submissive, merciful, and sincere is a hard thing to want. That is not desirable. 
Solomon was a man wanting God. He glorified Him with all he did. His heart was pure. God saw his heart and asked him for anything. Solomon responded with wanting wisdom. Who would’ve thought of saying that? Before I read that, I would’ve never thought of asking for that. I want the wisdom Solomon had. Even before the wisdom, who he was was a man chasing after God. I want to always chase after God. I want to be considerate, submissive, merciful, and sincere. 
Application: Gaining wisdom is a growth process. I want wisdom. I need to grow, to be stretched. Today, I will work on gaining wisdom, and I’ll start with putting others needs before my own. Serving others better; like cleaning up after them, letting them shower first, etc. 


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