[Note: Have had a very busy week, including being gone all day yesterday to see a neurosurgeon. Am having to have neurosurgery on Tuesday Feb. 2 on my left arm. So, for today, an interlude. Back to Cotter next time.]
Scripture to ponder today:
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
James 3:17, The King James Version
And, here are some wise words, I think. Consider these as well:
“To really know a man, observe his behavior with a woman, a flat tire and a child.”
Unknown
What do you think about James’ definition about wisdom from above? When I think of how so many “Christians” offer only condemnation to others when they have fallen, rather than grace, kindness and the attributes above, I am heartsick. Would I practice in my life – always – all of the attributes above.
What are your thoughts on the thought for today about how to really know a man? What do these things make you think of and do you think they are accurate?
Let’s have some good discussion today, dear friends. I need to hear from you! Many blessings to each of you today! Dee
Dee Andrews
From my experience – you can get the know the true man when you get behind close doors in an Elders’ Meeting. We met with 2 guys this past Wednesday. The first gentleman was abrupt, abrasive, and highly critical of a church where he is somewhat of a new member.
The second guy was encouraging although not totally agreeing with everything we were doing. Yet, his message was appreciated and much more so then guy #1.
sorry, not much good that this dicussion stuff!
I do hope that the surgery on your arm goes well!
huggs
My experience has been that there are a LOT of people in a LOT of churches who lack wisdom. And by James’ definition, I have been one of those people at times in my life. I am trying to be more wise in my final chapters of life, however many chapters there may be.
This is the kind of wisdom I am striving for in my life now. As a new Christian, I was around too many condemning types and this had a very negative affect on me. This verse from James is so encouraging to me and I know it is achievable for me. It’s the only way as this is what makes us the most happy with ourselves knowing we are being an example of His love. I liked the comment above regarding the true man behind closed doors, etc. I would change it to a men’s business meeting. I hope your surgery goes well Dee.
I have prayed for wisdom from above and at the same time speculated about what it really is. In reading James very recently, I came across this passage and thought – light bulb – THERE’S the definition! My thoughts have returned to it over and over.What wondrous graces are available to us from above. Like Greg, I haven’t always had these qualities but continue to pray and work toward them. And, like Susan, I am so thankful that His wisdom is achievble for me. When I would think of “wisdom,” I’d think about being smart, knowledgeable, and street-savvy, none of which is easy for me! But God’s way is really full of simplicity. This passage is not about any of those things. It’s about kindness, purity, fairness, and mercy. Thank God.
As for the other, I would add “animals” to the list. I don’t know a whole lot about men, as evidenced in my total mess-ups with them
, but I know enough that if a guy (or a gal in reverse) is good with those things, they’re a pretty good person.
I’ll be praying about your surgery. Hang in there.
I believe this passage isn’t only about intellect, but about how we behave as well. To live a life of holiness we must be loving, humble, gentle and self-controlled. I lacked most of these for many years, concluding I didn’t have any wisdom.
It seems the emphasis is in wisdom from above. There is no comparison between Spiritual wisdom and worldly wisdom.
I would have to say one’s actions in unpleasant circumstances will reveal the real person as well as reveal if their wisdom is from above or from the world.