What is better than gaining riches? What exudes pleasantness and paths of peace? How might we live honorably and be called blessed (Proverbs 3:13-20)? Is it not wisdom that is from God?
The book of Proverbs lays out two main ways to live, one would be in the fear of the Lord which leads to godly wisdom and the other is to walk in folly which leads to difficulty and shame.
Let’s highlight a few ways the Proverbs speaks about each of these paths.
Walking in foolishness leads to all kinds of misery.
One who is given to folly will choose the company of sinners, and consequently follow them in their greed and evil deeds (Proverbs 1:10-19). Such a lifestyle will result in distress, anguish, terror and calamity (Proverbs 1:27). The way of the fool reflects blindness, confusion, and being easily led astray (Proverbs 4:19, 5:23). Pride and deceit accompany the fool leading to division and discord in relationships (Proverbs 6:12-19). A fool’s words are crooked, perverse, and invite quarrels (Proverbs 11:9, 13:5, 15:18, 18:6). Furthermore, sinful anger, being easily offended, a quick temper, and a lack of self-control is embedded in the heart of a fool (Proverbs 14:17, 19:11).
Walking in wisdom leads to life and joy.
In contrast, the fear and worship of the Lord leads to wise living, and the blessing of dwelling securely under God’s watchful care (Proverbs 1:33, 2:8). The Lord grants favor and honor towards those who are humble (Proverbs 3:34-35). Wisdom helps one to perceive danger and temptation in advance, and to avoid it (Proverbs 4:14-15, 22:3). A wise person’s work ethic will be that of diligence and discipline (Proverbs 10:4). The words of the wise are a fountain of life, promoting peace, and displaying insight and sound judgment (Proverbs 12:6, 18:21). Patience and the ability to overlook offenses are also characteristic of the wise (Proverbs 14:29, 16:32, 19:11).
The book of Proverbs gives us a clear understanding of what true wisdom is. Proverbs does this by very clearly contrasting between wisdom and foolishness. In New Testament wisdom literature, James similarly describes wisdom with many direct applications to the Christian life. However, in James 3, he alerts believers to distinguish between worldly wisdom and the wisdom that is from above. Rather than immediately calling worldly wisdom foolishness, James explains how to detect folly that may be mistaken for wisdom. This is because worldly wisdom can be deceptive and in reality is actually earthly, unspiritual, and demonic (James 3:15).
In counseling situations, there are numerous opportunities to encourage husband and wife, children in regards to their parents, friends and roommates, fellow church members, and workplace relationships. I find James 3:14-18 especially helpful in the midst of interpersonal conflict and relational difficulty. James elaborates on how inordinate, self-centered desires are what fuels fights and quarrels amongst us. A lack of wisdom will show itself in the fruit that it produces. Jealousy and selfish ambition will result in disorder and every evil thing. The next time you find yourself in an uncomfortable, strained, or broken relationship in need of reconciliation, I encourage you to examine your heart to see what kind of wisdom you are walking in.
Earthly Wisdom (James 3:14-16)
The main characteristics of earthly wisdom are bitter jealousy and selfish ambition (James 3:14). What is being described here is a heart that is set upon one’s own kingdom and agenda. A sinfully jealous heart will long to acquire that which belongs to others or wrongly believe you deserve a level of ownership and control over people and circumstances. This can also be displayed as a heart that competes and compares with others. Do you struggle when you see others succeed in areas that you wish you could be better in? Are you quick to be critical of the giftings and accomplishments of others? Do you long to be recognized and praised? Do you insist on your own way in preferential matters? If so, you must turn from these inclinations since these attitudes reflect walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit. In fact, James warns us that a pursuit of selfish ambition will only lead to disorder and every evil thing. How can you go to war with your own sin and not leave these bad fruits of earthly wisdom unchecked in your heart and life?
Heavenly Wisdom (James 3:17-18)
Once we put off worldly wisdom, we must be sure to put on the characteristics of true wisdom from above, that is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, and is impartial and sincere. The first trait James mentions fuels the rest of the list he lays out. A heart that reflects God’s wisdom is full of purity with motives that are set on holiness and bringing glory to God. Through the work of the cross, Jesus has brought us near even though we were once his enemies. He not only united us to himself, but to one another, which is why we are called to make every effort to maintain the bond of peace with one another (Ephesians 4:3).
Rather than being demanding, we get to be gentle, kind, and open to reason. Are you seeking to communicate in a way that gives grace to those who hear? When you are open to reason, your desire is to yield to God’s Word with a clear willingness to bring your life into obedience to him. With that, you will be quick to hear, asking good questions, and eager to understand what God requires of you will receive God’s word with meekness (Proverbs 18:13, James 1:19-21). Are you being merciful as the Lord is merciful? Are you compassionate towards others in the midst of their own weakness? Your goal is not to prove a point by stating and winning your case, but to promote peace and steadily walking in love towards others. This is not at the expense of holding firm to the truths of Scripture. This is clear since a pure heart will be set on upholding godly standards. This is also affirmed in the fact that this wisdom produces good fruits and a harvest of righteousness. The hope is that the manner in which you walk will bring about wise and peaceable results rather than unnecessary pain and disorder.
Take time to meditate on the contrast between worldly wisdom and wisdom that is from above. Ask the Lord to convict and change your heart to grow in true wisdom. God loves to generously grant us this wisdom if we ask this of Him in faith (James 1:5). As you do this, you will not respond like the world, defining our problems with secular terms void of a knowledge of God and his solutions to our sin and suffering. The world will often attribute our problems to a shifting view of morality rather than to sin and its effects. When in relational conflict, our main goal is not to figure out self-promotion and self-preservation on our strength and on our own terms. We are not aiming to increase our self-esteem, to cancel those who offend us, or to excuse sinful responses due to our past experiences. Our aim is to glorify God, humbly pursue peace with one another, and trust in God’s loving care to make us more like Christ through our relationships.