Wednesday; July 15
When you think of wisdom,
what comes to mind? When most of us
consider wisdom, we think of something positive – maybe even something
noble. Yet, there is another kind of
wisdom. Interestingly, it is the writer,
James who identifies “negative wisdom” when he describes something as, “This
wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but
is earthly, natural, demonic.” (James 3:15). In other words, there is a kind of logic that
doesn’t make spiritual sense. While we
might be surprised to see this in the Bible, this type of human logic doesn’t
surprise us in the world in which we live.
There are a lot of people who use false reasoning to promote their own
ways. The unfortunate part of this is
that way too many people accept their logic as truth and follow after their
reasoning. Thankfully, the Bible balances
false wisdom with truth by noting, “But the wisdom from above is
first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and
good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed
whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
(James 3:17-18). Just as the results of
the type of wisdom can determine its value, so can the principles it
possesses. Basically, if it promotes
righteousness and seeks peace, it probably comes from a good place.
What wisdom appeals to us?
Let’s keep in mind that just because someone advocates it doesn’t mean
that we should follow it?
Think About It!