The difference between wisdom from above and below.

 It has been interesting over the last few weeks to observe what different folks call or deem wisdom.

Sometimes if something makes sense to us, our perspective, our preferences, we call it wise. 

The Biblical perspective however is very different.  God says there such a thing as man made wisdom that does not come from Him and His wisdom which does not come from humanity. 

The tower of Babel is human wisdom - the definition of folly. (Gen 11:1-9) 

When we derive our own passions and way forwards it is destined to failure.

Gen 12:10-20, Abraham decides to go his way to Egypt, not stick with God's promises.

1 Sam 17:38 cf v 50 Saul decided that loading David with armour was wise, God's way gave him a sling and a stone. 

The teaching of James 3:15 is incredibly direct and diagnostic.

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. 

Wisdom which marks the new community living in His power and presence is a loving wisdom. Speaking the truth in love is hard when folks may not want to listen. Pride is a tank which continues driving, shooting, but doesn't know where it is heading. Standing in its way is painful. It tests our patience, our mercy, our "Spirit-filledness". It tests how like Christ we desire to be, and how much we desire others to go His way and Honour His presence. 

I have never met a believer who has humbly stood up to false human wisdom in believers / church/ humanistic decisions/ pride in the people of God, and not come out of it closer to Christ, more blessed in His presence. They show battle scars covered in His wisdom and the balm of His word. Those who have pleaded on their knees before God and before those who lead others into foolishness reap a harvest in His presence, and their own spiritual lives. 

Trust Him. He knows all things.

Trust Him against His enemies.  The cross displays His victorious wisdom (We have 3 enemies according to Eph 2:1-3, The world, human desires (ourselves), and Satan himself.) Our Saviour is victorious over all. (1 Cor 1:20-25, Deut 20:4, Col 2:15, John 16:33).  

Trust Him and His word when those who call themselves followers of Christ live by the guidelines and compromises of this world. (Romans 12:2, 1 John 2:15-17). 

Trust Him not yourself when the pivotal decisions are to be made, and with each day. (Proverbs 3:6)

Trust His word, it brings resolution and clarity. (Isa 58:11) Such is not the case if we go the earthly route, peace that we seek does not come from the easy way of popularity, the projection of pride, but on the foundations of humility before Him. In Him we discover His all sufficiency, He brings us to a place of righteousness, direction (Ps 119,105), stability (Psalm 37:23, Isa 30:21, Prov 14:11), a reaping which changes us for the better. 

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Other references:

• Proverbs 4:7
• James 1:5
• Psalm 1
• Psalm 77 (v12-13)
• 1 John 2:5
• Luke 11:28
• Proverbs 1:20-21