PRAY FOR “THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE”

MONDAY JULY 6

“The wisdom from above is first of all pure.” Jas 3:17 NLT

The Bible says that the wisdom that comes from this world is “earthly, sensual, demonic,” because it comes from “envy and self-seeking” and “confusion and every evil thing” (vv. 15-16 NKJV). The wisdom you need comes from a different source: “The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere” (v.17 NLT). People today have access to more knowledge than at any time in history. Yet wisdom seems practically non-existent. Paul’s words to the Corinthian church could well be addressed to us: “Is there not a wise man among you?” (see 1Co 6:5 NKJV). There’s a stark difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is the accumu- lation of facts and information. Anyone can accumulate facts. Our problem is our lack of wisdom; we aren’t able to take the facts we’ve learned and put them into practice in real-life situations and at points of need. If we’re to put our faith into action, we’ll need “the wisdom from above.” As couples, we need it to build strong marriages (see 1Pe 3:7). As parents, we need it for leading our children in the way they should go (see Pr 22:6). As Christian businesspeople, we need it to succeed in the marketplace (see Isa 48:17). If you’re wise, you’ll pray: “Lord, I invite You to work with me, to work in me, to work through me, and to work for me.” That’s a prayer He will answer.