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May 27, 2007
"Relating Wisely To Others"
It's All About Relationships—Part 7
James 3:14-18
Healthy relationships require heavenly wisdom.
The Two Types of Wisdom:
I. The Wisdom of the world.
What are the Characteristics of the Wisdom of the World?
- The Wisdom of the world is earthly.
- The Wisdom of the world is unspiritual.
- The Wisdom of the world is of the devil.
II. The Wisdom that comes down from heaven.
If you need wisdom—if you want to know what God wants you to do—ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
—James 1:5-6
What are the characteristics of the Wisdom that comes down from heaven?
1. The Wisdom from heaven is pure.
People with integrity have firm footing, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.
—Proverbs 10:9
2. The Wisdom from heaven is peace-loving.
Those who control their anger have great understanding; those with a hasty temper will make mistakes.
—Proverbs 14:29
Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.
—Proverbs 20:3
3. The Wisdom from heaven is considerate.
Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
—Proverbs 15:4
4. The Wisdom from heaven is submissive or "open to reason."
Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others.
—Proverbs 12:15
5. The Wisdom from heaven is full of mercy.
Disregarding another person's faults preserves love; telling about them separates close friends.
—Proverbs 17:9
6. The Wisdom from heaven is full of good fruit.
The godly are like trees that bear life-giving fruit, and those who save lives are wise.
—Proverbs 11:30
Thieves are jealous of each other's loot, while the godly bear their own fruit.
—Proverbs 12:12
7. The Wisdom from heaven is impartial.
8. The Wisdom from heaven is sincere.
Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to slander others or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends. Those who despise persistent sinners, and honor the faithful followers of the Lord and keep their promises even when it hurts. Those who do not charge interest on the money they lend, and who refuse to accept bribes to testify against the innocent. Such people will stand firm forever.
—Psalm 15:2-5