Timeless Truths. Right Living 103

There is a right way to live.

While it might be painful, it really isn't difficult.

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. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 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. 

Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

James 3:13-18

WISDOM

James 1:5 says

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.

Wise people show wisdom through a good life, a life lived the right way.

Wisdom is from heaven. It’s all about relationship.

5:16b explains why we need to live a wise life

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective

• righteous = right living.

PURITY

• From the Greek term meaning “pure enough to approach the gods.”

Christian purity means

• Cleansed of ulterior motives and self-ambition
• Holiness and sanctification

WISDOM begins with PURITY

PEACE-LOVING

• This is shown in right relationships:

man ßà God and man ßà man

• Both relationships depend on the other.

CONSIDERATE

• Knowing where and when not to apply the “strict letter of the Law”
• This characteristic is AFTER peace-loving intentionally.
• We need to be more considered with relationships than with rules.

SUBMISSIVE

• Open-minded.
• Be willing to listen to those around us.
• Selective hearing is NOT a part of wisdom.

MERCIFUL

• Seeing someone in trouble and showing mercy even though the trouble is self-inflicted.
• We’ve all received mercy.
• We need to give mercy.

IMPARTIAL

• Unwavering.
• Don’t be wishy-washy.

SINCERE

• Without hypocrisy.
• A life of integrity.
• We need to live a complete life, not a life without flaws!

It's easy to see why wise people are admired and, unfortunately, uncommon.

With God's help, you can fill the wisdom gap
in your circle of influence!

Thanks to Dr. Scott Peterson for the basic teachings in this post.

Next Timeless Truths: Right Living 104

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