WISDOM IS GOOD, BUT HEAVENLY WISDOM IS BETTER

SCRIPTURE:
“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.”  
(James 3:17)

MEDITATION:
Wisdom is described as the ability to think and act 
using knowledge, experience, understanding, common sense, and insight. 
A person with wisdom has the capacity to perform any action 
under any give circumstances with the highest degree of adequacy 
and limited error.

Wisdom implies a possession of knowledge, 
or the search for knowledge to apply to any given circumstance. 
In order to have wisdom, 
a person needs to have an understanding of people, objects, events, 
and situations so he or she can choose the optimal course of action. 
True wisdom is considered to be a virtue. 

This summarizes wisdom from a worldly perspective, 
but wisdom dispensed from Heaven includes much more.
Heavenly wisdom is “pure”.
It has not been mixed with, or contaminated by the things of the world.

Heavenly wisdom is “peace-loving”.
It looks for opportunities to create peace in the midst of turmoil.
Too often those without Heavenly wisdom are easily caught up 
in the tensions and emotions of controversial circumstances. 

Heavenly wisdom is “considerate”.
It is thoughtful, attentive, and strives to avoid
anything that would cause inconveniences for others.
Sometimes advice needs to be 'sugar-coated', but at other times
it needs to be straightforward - Heavenly wisdom knows the difference.
 
Heavenly wisdom is “submissive”.
It respects and is ready to humbly succumb to the authority of others, 
and in particular God’s authority.

Heavenly wisdom is “full of mercy”.
It has compassion and can forgive those within its power to harm or punish.
Forgiveness is a key virtue of mercy.

Heavenly wisdom is full of “good fruit”.
The results of this kind of wisdom will always be beneficial.
All those impacted by Heavenly wisdom will accept and appreciate it.

Heavenly wisdom is “impartial”.
It will treat everyone equally, fair and just.
No person will receive special treatment of any kind.

Lastly, Heavenly wisdom is “sincere”.
It is free from pretense or deceit.
It has no unknown agenda or selfish purposes.
It can be trusted and respected.

The world has gravitated toward a type of barbarism mentality. 
As goodness decreases, evilness increases.
Neighbors are violent with neighbors (sometimes resorting to murder).
Gangs and gang initiations are on the increase.

Homes are disintegrating as mothers and fathers continually bicker 
and physically or emotionally abuse each other 
(and sometimes it spills over to the children).
Government officials often engage in name-calling and have heated 
disputes that are not in keeping with the dignity of their elected position.

Why and how has all this savagery crept into our social life? 
It is because people have ignored the words of Jesus.
“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) 
The world is in desperate need of more folks with Heavenly wisdom.

ACTION:
If you know a person or some people who display the qualities 
of Heavenly wisdom, encourage them, show respect for them, 
ask their advice, and pray for them.
If you do not have anyone in your life with Heavenly wisdom, then look for 
someone and become friends with him or her - you will not be disappointed.
Ask God to give you Heavenly wisdom, 
so you will be the one others can rely on.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your incomparable wisdom. I know that 
when I pray and ask You for help or guidance, I can be confident that Your 
response to my prayers will be trustworthy and exactly what I need. I pray 
that You would bless me with Heavenly wisdom that will be beneficial to 
others, as well as myself. Develop in me all the characteristics associated 
with Heavenly wisdom.”