Wisdom From Above–Plus Scripture Printable

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In this post I share a few thoughts that have been on my heart lately regarding wisdom. I also share a free printable scripture.

Isn’t That Just Like God?

I have been reading through the book of James the past few mornings. I think James might be one of my favorite books in the Bible. It is just so practical. I love practical, especially at this stage of life. I need all the help I can get to keep my heart and mind focused on the right things. The truth is I need wisdom. Don’t we all? I want that wisdom to be wisdom from above!

However, according to the Bible there are different types of wisdom. There is worldly wisdom, which James describes as earthly, sensual, devilish. Then there is the wisdom from above, pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. Isn’t that just like God? The wisdom we get from our flesh and from the world is the total opposite of the wisdom that God gives.

It’s easy for the wisdom of the world to appeal to us isn’t it? The wisdom that comes from our flesh tells us to look out for number one! That’s easy right? Do what’s best for you! Make sure you get some “me” time. Don’t let people walk all over you! But God tells us the exact opposite. Pouring ourselves out for others? That sounds hard and unrewarding. But, with God, the impossible becomes possible and has the greatest reward!

Wisdom from our Mouth

The book of James speaks about the tongue. I love this part, because it so clearly illustrates the trouble that our tongue can cause. “The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, it defilieth the whole body. Every kind of beast and of birds and of serpents and things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. ” Isn’t that a sobering illustration?

As a mom, I am very aware of the fire that my tongue can start. I can make a comment directed at one of my smaller children, maybe it wasn’t in the sweetest tone, and maybe it implied that they were doing something…well…stupid. Guess what? They probably were doing something stupid! However, my tone and my choice of words can start a fire with the easily irritated older children. Now, they have picked up on my tone and my choice of words. As a result, we now have an atmosphere of unkindness and no mercy. My words have not been used for good, and now I have the results to live with and try to undo!

How about talking about others? Our kids pick up on that one too. Maybe you aren’t badmouthing exactly, but maybe you aren’t really lifting the other person up either!

Mercy

The Bible mentions mercy numerous times. Our heavenly father is full of mercy. The book of James says that wisdom from above is full of mercy. Again the total opposite of my desire, and also the total opposite of what the world tells you. When someone does you wrong or inconveniences you, we are to be full of mercy and good fruits. We are to be without partiality (I believe this means without even being partial to ourselves). The world tells us to set people straight, to get even, to teach them a lesson.

Mercy, Good Fruits and Impartiality Illustrated

This was illustrated for me very recently. Last Friday, my mom, daughters and friends planned a surprise baby shower for me and for our new baby Ezekiel. Since it was a surprise, I didn’t know about it (stating the obvious here.) Since I didn’t know about it, and since I hadn’t been out of the house for nearly three weeks, I planned a morning out.

I made chiropractor appointments for the whole family. Afterward, we were to go to the library. Then as the morning went on, I kept adding activities. After the library, we would get pizza, then I would run in TJ Maxx!

My poor kids! They knew that the ladies were going to be at our house to set up the party in our barn loft. They had changed the time numerous times to accommodate my ever expanding list of things to do! Finally, they just gave up. On the last stop, my 13 year old daughter said, “Mom, there is a surprise at the house, GG is there and the faster you get through this store the better, and please don’t ask me anything more.” I listened to her, didn’t ask too many more questions (other than the surprise isn’t a puppy right?) and headed home.

I was quite humbled when I opened the door and they all yelled “surprise!!” It was a beautiful party with decorations and all of my favorite foods! Thoroughly thought out and planned to a T. The only flaw in the plan was ME!! My dear friends and family had been there waiting for me for TWO HOURS!! I felt like a real JERK!

Selfless Love

These ladies displayed to me the most selfless love! They were full of mercy, they were gentle with me, and without hypocrisy. My mom later told me they were saying things like “I’m so glad she was able to get out and enjoy herself today.” They told me they were glad that I was able to get adjusted and enjoy reading with my kids at the library!! Here they were waiting for me and they were so patient and kind! They truly showed that they loved me more than they loved themselves or at least more than their valuable time!! Worldly wisdom would have left them mighty ticked off!! I am so grateful that they are grounded in truth and that they love me!!

Without Hypocrisy

This one is so important for us parents!! Children can spot hypocrisy from a mile away. They know us so well! Our children can detect when we are not being genuine. Perhaps we can fool our friends, we can put on a facade for them. They may even buy it! However, our kiddos will not. Is your faith in God real? Do you really practice what you preach? Are you mean and nasty at home, yet kind and gentle in front of others? Our kids know the truth. I want so badly to lead my children to Jesus, I know that hypocrisy may be the biggest hurdle to their faith! I want wisdom from above!

A Printable

Here is a printable for my subscribers. This verse really stuck out to me this week, and I want to be reminded of it daily for a while. I created this printable and wanted to share it with you! It is 8×10 you can print it on card stock and pop it in an inexpensive frame.

I am working on a woven wreath for spring and a pretty spring/Easter table to share with you soon!