November 12, 2009

Character Is Wise

Written by Boyd Bailey

Character Is Wise… “She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.” Proverbs 31:26

A person of Christian character understands that true wisdom resides in heaven and not on earth. Because they look upward to the Lord for insight and understanding, they get down on their knees in humble prayer and dependency. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). God is not greedy in giving out wisdom; His offer is for all who ask.

Men and women of character are able to discern between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. Worldly wisdom is limited to temporal results; godly wisdom is unlimited in eternal consequences. Worldly wisdom strains in self-effort; godly wisdom rests in God’s grace. Worldly wisdom brings attention to the person; godly wisdom glorifies God. “The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).

Furthermore a person of wisdom is not shy to share their insights with those who are eager to learn. They openly tell others of their own mistakes and also celebrate their successes. Wise followers of Jesus listen to the hungry of heart, discern what they are capable of receiving, and then gently apply truth at their point of openness. Wisely serve wisdom in digestible portions, so a soul does not feel bloated with too much information.

Therefore, seek wisdom from your Savior Jesus, whose insights cannot be explained by human reasoning. He will give you just what you need for now, not too much and not too little. However, He shares with you what He sees as right, so you can humbly teach His thoughts to others. Peter described Paul like this when he said, “Our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him” (2 Peter 3:15). Am I still learning, growing and gaining the wisdom of God? Do I steward the Lord’s wisdom wisely?

Related Readings: 1 Kings 3:28; Isaiah 28:29; Colossians 3:13; James 3:13-15

Transformational Living
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