February
14, 2005
If
Any Of You Lacks Wisdom
"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. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting; for he who
doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the
wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything
from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all
his ways." (1)
"Who
is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good
conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.
But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts,
do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not
descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For
where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil
thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first
pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy
and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who
make peace." (2)
"Thus
says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich
man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in
this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord,
exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in
the earth. For in these I delight,' says the Lord." (3)
1. James
1:5-8.
2. James 3:13-18.
3. Jeremiah 9:23, 24.
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