“A Word for the Wise”
Trials stand as the primary test to affirm the reality and stability of our trust in God. James addresses genuine faith’s response to trials in verse 2-18.
I. Faith’s response to trials 1:2-18
A. Life Instruction #1 with Insight
B. Life instruction #2 with insights
C. Life Instruction #3 with insights
1. Instruction: Ask God for wisdom
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God
2. Insights
a. God gives without skimping or scolding to those asking
The One giving generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5
b. God gives nothing to those doubting.
But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:6-8
The one failing to trust God gets hammered and tossed like wind-tossed water. Doubters lose the ability to decide direction. They don’t know what to do because they have no anchor. Due to lack of genuine trust in God, they can’t decide whether to follow His council or the world’s advice. Those failing to trust God will not receive wisdom. Sometime God doesn’t answer because He knows we won’t do it if He did. Sometimes we know what to do but refuse to do it. Doubters easily get sidetracked and fooled by perspectives based on human reasoning. Feelings drive their decisions rather than truth. We need wisdom to face the various trials we encounter in a devil-driven world.
Paul identified two sources of that advise us how to live.
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. Ephesians 2:1-3
We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
We either live by the advice of this devil-directed and energized world or we live by God’s determined way of living for His children.
Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:17-24
James identified behavior driven by wisdom from above and wisdom from below.
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:14-16
Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. James 3:13 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17-18
Wisdom is the thought process which directs life’s choices and way of living. Satan suggests a thought process that produces a harvest of godless living. God prescribes a thought process that produces a harvest of right living.
There is man’s way of thinking and doing things which God calls foolish i.e. man’s wisdom.
There is God’s way of thinking and doing things which man calls foolish i.e. God’s wisdom.
Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:20-24
The Bible contrasts the two all though the Bible. The Bible clearly defines the behavior of the wise man and the foolish man. A word search of wisdom and wise unearths 434 places in the Bible.
Paul described the foolish thinking and living of those who reject God.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Romans 1:18-23
Because they rejected God’s ways, God gave them over to self-destructive behaviors. The list that follows catalogues evil actions that still ravage our world today. We may not have sunk to the level of the people just before the flood yet but it is all there.
The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Genesis 6:5
The people had reached the tipping point. Perhaps our world will sink that low again before the final judgment falls. Proverbs bears a striking similarity to Paul’s indictment.
Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD, would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices. For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacency of fools destroys them; but whoever listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of disaster.” Proverbs 1:29-33
The need for wisdom in our world is clear. The need to know God’s ways is critical. I will share with your some of my research regarding wisdom. What is it? Where do we get it?
Job asked that question.
“But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? Man does not know its worth, and it is not found in the land of the living. The deep says, ‘It is not in me,’ and the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’ It cannot be bought for gold, and silver cannot be weighed as its price. It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire. Gold and glass cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold. No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal; the price of wisdom is above pearls. The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, nor can it be valued in pure gold. “From where, then, does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding? It is hidden from the eyes of all living and concealed from the birds of the air. Abaddon and Death say, ‘We have heard a rumor of it with our ears.’ “God understands the way to it, and he knows its place. For he looks to the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens. When he gave to the wind its weight and apportioned the waters by measure, when he made a decree for the rain and a way for the lightning of the thunder, then he saw it and declared it; he established it,and searched it out. And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’” Job 28:12-28
The connect between the “fear of the Lord” and wisdom appears numerous times.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. Proverbs 9:10-11
Hebrew poetry enables greater understanding. In this case, we have two phrases presented as synonymous or saying the same thing in different words. “Wisdom” and “insight” are parallel concepts. That makes “fear of the Lord” and “knowledge of the Holy One” synonymous. To know God is to fear or reverence Him. Because God is wisdom, to know Him is to know wisdom.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! Psalm 111:10
To live wisely is to live according to God’s ways. Satan tried to convince Eve that she could be wise apart from God. She would get wisdom from the fruit rather than the Root. God preserved His word to instill wisdom in those who embrace it. God instructed the Israelites concerning God’s law.
Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’
The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
Psalm 19:7
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice. The law of his God is in his heart; his steps do not slip. Psalm 37:30-31
The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good. The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. Psalm 14:1-3
from childhood you (Timothy) have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15
Wisdom cannot be known apart from a submissive relationship with God. Wisdom comes from God.
if you seek it (wisdom) like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; Proverbs 2:4-10
Consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. Ephesians 1:7-10
Paul wanted the Colossians to come to a full knowledge of God’s mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Whatever does not incorporate Christ and the cross is not true wisdom. God determined that His wisdom would be proclaimed though his followers.
so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenlies. Ephesians 3:10
Paul proclaimed Him,
warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28
He prayed for they would be filled with wisdom.
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:9-12
Again, we notice the link between wisdom and behavior.
This is a wisdom that can only be discerned by those whose core has been transformed by God though the regeneration of the Holy Spirit. Two spirits at work; spirit of the world and the spirit of God.
Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:1-16
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. 1 Corinthians 3:18-19
James instructs us to confidently ask God for wisdom to respond to a broken world with a godly response.
The answer may come from a serious study of the life of Jesus. What did He do? What did He say? How did He live?
The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here. Matt 12:42
And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Mark 6:2
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! Romans 11:33
Proverbs provides a multitude of practical instruction.
The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin. Proverbs 10:8
The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near. Proverbs 10:14
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
Whoever troubles his own household will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart.11:29
The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. Proverbs 12:15
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Prov 12:18
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20
One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless. Proverbs 14:16
Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise. Proverbs 20:1
Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered. Proverbs 28:26
Wisdom may come from other people.
The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Proverbs 15:31
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death. Proverbs 13:14
Wisdom comes when we set our heart to seek God; for the knowledge of the Holy One is the beginning of wisdom.
What do we learn from Job? Job demanded that God tell him WHY these things were happening. When God finally answered Job, He changed the questions from WHY to WHO. The question “who” appears more than 25 times in God’s response to Job. Job was troubled because he lost sight of who God was. His response to God’s clear declaration of His sovereignty instructs us when we get hung up on the why instead of the who.
And the LORD said to Job: “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.” Then Job answered the LORD and said: “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. I have spoken once, and I will not answer; twice, but I will proceed no further.” Job 40:1-5
Then Job answered the LORD and said: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:1-6
We may acquire wisdom through diligence and the work of the Holy Spirit.
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:15-21
God granted special wisdom to many in the Bible. Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Daniel, prophets, Paul, Stephen.
It is among the manifestations of the Spirit for ministry to the body.
Wisdom does not have to do with intelligence.
Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:97-103
The people noticed something different about Peter and John.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. Acts 4:13
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20
Who do people recognize us as hanging out with?
What informs our mind and soul?
Wisdom is all about knowing God and knowing His ways.
What will you do to increase your WQ (wisdom quotient)?
Spend time in the Psalms (learning about God) and Proverbs (learning His ways).
