Yesterday we talked of the importance of keeping our eyes on the Lord and the things of heaven instead of earthly things. Today I feel led to drill down to where we look for wisdom. Generally speaking, we seek counsel when things aren’t going well, but we must be careful to whom we look for wisdom.

In the beginning of his epistle James says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:2-5)

Here we see that difficulties are to be seen as God sees them, opportunities to deepen our faith and mature us in the Lord. We are to “count it all joy” for what the testing will produce in our lives if we let the work of the Holy Spirit refine us in the difficulty. And then we are given a blank check to ask God for wisdom whenever we need it, which He promises to give us without scolding. 

“Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, and search for her 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” (Prov 2:3-6).

But we must seek godly wisdom, not worldly wisdom which causes confusion. “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.” (James 3:13-16)

But godly wisdom is contrary to earthly and demonic wisdom. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:17-18)

The world tells us that we should first look after our selves and our own perceived needs, to be self-serving and seeking things on earth that give us temporary happiness. God’s Word tells us that we are to seek to be loving to others and to control our self-serving lusts. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Gal 5:22-23) There’s clearly a difference in worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. What will you choose?