Wisdom. We ask for it. God gives it. Do we use the wisdom He so generously gives? Or do we fall back on our humanness when pushed into a corner of pressing, overwhelming circumstances? It is at these very moments that we see who we are and to Whom we belong. 

Pastor James gives us two examples to chose from…the world’s view of “wisdom” and God’ view. It seems our inner motivations of our hearts and souls has a lot to do with which one we will choose.

WORLDVIEW
“Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here’s what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It’s the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn’t wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn’t’ wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn’t wisdom. It’ the furthest thing from wisdom–it’s animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you’re trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others’ throats.” James 3, Msg

GOD’S VIEW
“Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results ONLY if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.” James 3, Msg

There’s more to come in the next passage, (chapter 4) that takes us “to the mat” in this self-adjustment. But, we will stop here and just chew on the passage for today. Some days we can only handle this serious teaching one bite at a time. 

CHALLENGE FOR ALL OF US
As we go about this day…think, live well, ask for God’s wisdom, then go with it. 

Dear Heavenly Father, Give us YOUR wisdom. We cry out for it today. Your Word clearly states the difference in your wisdom and the world’s view of wisdom. Help us to choose wisely, always relying on Your guidance. Then help us to take your wisdom and seriously live it, by your power living in us. 
In Jesus Name, Amen