THEWISDOM FROM ABOVE

(James 1:5; 3:13-18)
By
Shelby G. Floyd

Credit: Google Images

Previously we have studied about the wisdom that “is not from above.” In James 3:13-18, two different kinds of wisdom were contrasted—the wisdom from above and the wisdom from below. James is fond of asking questions and making contrasts. In James 1: 5 he asked, “If any man lacks wisdom, let him ask of God?” If we need wisdom we are to go to God in prayer and the word of God. That is where it is to be found. Pray and then do everything you can through the means that God has given you to acquire wisdom.

In James 3: 13 he asked, “Is there any among you who has wisdom and understanding, let him show it by his good deeds done in humility and meekness of wisdom?” Continue reading “THEWISDOM FROM ABOVE”

THE WISDOM FROM BELOW

By

Shelby G. Floyd

Credit: Google Images

Is there anyone in this audience who lacks wisdom? Do we have any who are wise and understanding? James asked these questions of his readers. James is fond of asking questions and then answering those questions himself. He also likes to contrast one thing with another.

TWO QUESTIONS

Let us notice these two questions regarding wisdom from the book of James. Let us first take notice of QUESTION NUMBER ONE:

James 1:5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
NKJV

All of us can answer the question by indicating that we need more wisdom. Therefore the idea is that we should go to God in prayer and ask him for wisdom. But to pray for wisdom doesn’t mean that God is going to give it to us miraculously. We are taught to pray to God for our daily bread. But God does not miraculously hand us bread like he did in feeding the five thousand. God gives us bread when he provides everything we need from his perspective—seed, soil, and good weather. We however must do our part from our perspective. “If a man will not work do not let him eat.” Continue reading “THE WISDOM FROM BELOW”