Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But 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. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. - James 3:13-16
Oh God, give me wisdom that is not afraid to ask for help, not too proud of its own opinion, more bent on unity than being right, more concerned about mercy than justice. Give me the kind of wisdom that makes others want to play in the sand box with me for the good of all. Help me to hide my opinion much longer than feels comfortable while I learn to listen to others to try to understand not only their opinion but the context from which they have formed it. Give me the wisdom that comes from love for you and people instead of that so called “wisdom” that comes from pride and ambition. Make me a servant with my experience rather than a blind “know it all.” AMEN
Wisdom from God makes us uniquely love all people, even those that oppose us.
Additional Reading: Philippians 2:1-11, James 1:19-20, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
