Jan. 21st ‘Different Kinds Of Wisdom’ – by Dr Albert Odulele
Bible Reading: Jam. 3:15-17
Jam. 3:15-16 ‘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’
The bible tells of different kinds of wisdom. One is ‘earthly’; its common sense and at best produces common results. Most of us learn in early childhood that the glitter and allure of naked flames can be hurtful. We carry this ‘sense’ throughout life, it was learnt by the common events of life. This is not divine wisdom.
James also mentions ‘sensual’ wisdom. This is intellectual, learned and practised knowledge and insight. It is often acquired in a formal school of learning or from the environment; literary, language, culture, courtesy, diet, clothing, community, etc. Important as this form of wisdom is, it is not divine. That’s why a person can be a professor of medicine or nuclear physics but lack divine wisdom.
Thirdly Jam. 3:15 talks of ‘demonic’ wisdom. This is intelligence in the occult, devilish arts, charms, witchcraft, Ouija, etc. Satan has perverted evil practices that are distorted imitations of God’s oracles and laws. This is also clearly not God’s wisdom.
Jn. 3:31 ‘he who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all’
Divine wisdom is ‘from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy’ Jam. 4:17. This is the wisdom you must desire, acquire and give full expression in your home, office, values, practices, etc.
Prayer:
- Pray for divine wisdom that makes a person ‘ Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength’ Prov. 24:5
- There are over 160 million Muslims north of the Sahara and another 157 million in sub-Saharan Africa. It is the biggest challenge to Christianity today. Pray! Jer. 16:19-21
Thought for the day:
Make certain not to confuse earthly or sensual wisdom with divine wisdom. It’s divine wisdom that ‘builds’ lives