A Wise Guy, Eh?
A Wise Guy, Eh?
“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.” – James 3:13
Have you ever known someone who thought they knew everything and didn’t mind telling you?
Wisdom is an interesting thing. It involves more than just knowledge. It involves justness, righteousness, action, and faith. Proverbs tells us,
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10
There are some who think they are wise and love to tell people. They inject their thoughts on every situation, whether people ask for their opinion or not. They always seem to “know” exactly what to do and they like other people to know it.
Humble Wisdom
There’s another word associated with true wisdom. That word is humility. This describes people who live their lives wisely, making wise decisions and treating people with love and honor. They don’t make a big deal about it and you may not realize how wise they are at first.
These aren’t the people who necessarily speak up first. However, you find that people who have known them for a while seek out their thoughts on matters.
Quiet Wisdom that Brings Honor
The reality is that usually, the more someone feels the need to convince people he is wise, the more of a fool he truly is. People who are truly wise, don’t have to tell people. It’s apparent in their lives. They seek the Lord and love and honor others in humility. In doing so, they gain the honor the fool seeks, though they would never seek that honor.
Who do you know who is truly and humbly wise?
Are you?
You can be. God promises us,
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Pray. Ask God for wisdom. He will give it. Read His Word and seek Him in all things. Then live according to God’s way and treat people with love and respect. Of course, you won’t do this perfectly, but even in your failures, you can show wisdom by confessing and receiving forgiveness. That’s another thing God gives generously. Do all this humbly without calling attention to yourself.
Who knows? Maybe one day, you will find people seek out your opinion.
Heavenly Father,
Please give me wisdom and help me to humbly live in that wisdom. When I fail, give me the wisdom and humility to be repentant and seek Your mercy which I know You will give.
Amen.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Kurt
