How to be Wise

13/07/2009 by John Marsden.

James 3:13-18

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. ¹⁶For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. ¹⁷But 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. ¹⁸Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.  Wisdom = Practical Knowledge

What good is it if you have knowledge but fail to use it in life? The wisdom that

God provides prepares us to meet the challenges of a walk with him.  How to Relate Wisely to Others…  #1 If Am Wise, I Won’t Compromise My Integrity 

“Wisdom is…first of all pure.” Godly wisdom is not tainted or impure. Earthly

wisdom always possesses a prejudice that keeps it from being ideal.

When being wise in our relationships with others we refuse to change our

lifestyle just to fit in or be accepted.

Why do so many people act different when they want to fit in? Why do so many

feel like they have to be something they are not?How does living the wise life allow you to be who God created? #2 If Am Wise, I Won’t Antagonize Your Anger  

“Wisdom is…peace loving.” Wisdom doesn’t allow peace to just happen; wisdom

searches for ways to bring peace.What makes you angry? Why? 

Romans 12 ¹⁷Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in

the eyes of everybody. ¹⁸If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at

peace with everyone. ¹⁹Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for

God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the

Lord.—   Living at peace with others is dependant on you not them.  #3 If Am Wise, I Won’t Minimize Your Feelings  

“Wisdom is…considerate.” Wisdom takes the other person into consideration. It

is not selfish or self-centered.

Philippians 2:3-4 ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in

humility consider others better than yourselves. ⁴Each of you should look not

only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. What are some

ways we can put this passage into practice?

#4 If Am Wise, I Won’t Criticize Your Suggestions  

“Wisdom is…submissive.” Submission doesn’t mean wimpy, but willing to give

up getting your way so another can benefit.

We all love to be right and to win an argument, but wisdoms calls us to be

righteous. What’s the difference in righteousness and being right?

When someone has an idea and you criticize it how do you think it makes them

feel?

How to listen to the suggestions of others…

Try to understand their perspective. See where they are coming from without

reading into their statements.

Explain what they said back to them. In order to make sure you’re on the same

page restate their concept.

Don’t make it a right or wrong issue unless it really is one. Give the other person

some room for their ideas.

  

#5 If Am Wise, I Won’t Emphasize Your Mistakes

“Wisdom is…full of mercy and good fruit.” Wisdom is not just merciful, but full of

mercy.

That brings the picture of a mercy that overflows and spills onto those around it.

Don’t you hate it when someone reminds you of something you did wrong a while

back?

Read Hebrews 8:12. What does God do with our sins? Don’t you wish everyone

did that?

How to be wise with the mistakes of others…

Remember that you are not perfect either.

Refuse to keep mental records of the mistakes of your friends and family.

Don’t remind people of times when they messed up.

Think about God’s forgiveness of you and share that same level of forgiveness

with others.  #6 If Am Wise, I Won’t Disguise My Weaknesses  “Wisdom is…genuine and sincere.” Why do so many people work so hard to look strong?

Read 2 Corinthians 12:10. When did Paul say he became strong? How does

weakness turn into strength?

Live an authentic life by…

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses.

Don’t get caught up with trying to be perfect for the world’s sake.

Don’t select friends who expect you to be like them just to get accepted. 

Fear the Lord

Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow

his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. What does it mean to fear the Lord?How is it the beginning of wisdom? Faith in Trials

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously

to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

The context of the verse is that we ask for wisdom when trials come.

Often we just ask for deliverance. Why do we learn more through wise decisions

than through instant deliverance? 

Focus on Jesus

Colossians 2:2b-3 Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and

knowledge. How does wisdom come through knowing Christ?  Have a great day.John

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