Godly wisdom

Listened to a really good talk at church today on Godly wisdom

James 3:13-18 (NIV)Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. [14] But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. [15] Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. [16] For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. [17] 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. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Wisdom - to make the best use of knowledge

In the book of proverbs wisdom is described as 

Proverbs 4:7-9 (NIV)Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. [8] Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. [9] She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor. "

Wisdom is referred to in the feminine.

- to make the  best use of knowledge

Research, finding things out about the things that matter. As a Christian we should seek a knowledge of what God wants for us and start this by reading the Bible. A source of knowledge, examples of teaching.

Knowledge in itself does not necessarily promote the right sort of wisdom.

James 3:14-15 (NIV)But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. [15] Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.

We can see this in business, sound knowledge can promote 'sound wisdom' but not always with the right motives.

James 3:16 (NIV)For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

At the moment it is very easy to point to city bankers but can easily be applied to ourselves.

How do we make sure that mam-made model is not what we go to?

What about God's wisdom?

James 3:17-18 (NIV)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. [18] Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

That is the benchmark that we measure our wise decisions against.

James 3:17 (NIV)

....... pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

We often have wise choices go make, at work, at home in the community. These should all be grounded in knowledge.

But the Bible doesn't help when deciding on a new IT infrastructure for example,  it we can come to God and ask for guidance for the right things.

Prayer can help us base our decision on knowledge but also is it ...

pure; 

then peace-loving, 

considerate, 

submissive, 

full of mercy and good fruit, 

impartial and sincere.