Wisdom is Pure

Chuckle: A police recruit was asked during the exam, "What would you do if you had to arrest your own mother?" He answered, "Call for backup."

Quote: "Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much; Wisdom is humble that he knows no more." --William Cowper

"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" (James 3:17 NIV). "It is because of him (God) that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God -- that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption" (I Corinthians 1:30 NIV).

James identifies several characteristics of a wise person. Today, we will begin to study each of them in turn. keep in mind the source of such wisdom.

Wisdom is first of all pure. A pure person is uncorrupted, undefiled, genuine, real, and lives a life of integrity. Sadly, many who claim to be Christians are not authentic as evidenced by their lifestyles. They try to portray themselves as something they aren't. If you have wisdom from above, you do not lie, cheat, or deceive people. You do not use people for selfish purposes. Instead, you seek to be used in the lives of others for their benefit. This humble attitude comes from the Holy Spirit working in our lives as we seek wisdom from God. "Let this mind (attitude) be in you that is also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5).

To many, lying, or distorting the truth, is a normal way of life. Television programs and movies glamorize such conduct as a normal, acceptable, and preferred way of life. Proverbs 10:9 says, "The man of integrity walks securely." If we are truthful and honest in all our dealings, we don't have to fear that our lies will catch up with us. We are secure because we are forthright. Such purity gives us security and peace of mind. I'm thankful that God has given me wise Christian friends whose lives are marked by purity and integrity. "Words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook." --Proverbs 18:4

In ancient China, the people desired security from the barbaric hordes to the north. So they built the Great Wall of China. It was too high to climb over, too thick to break down, and too long to go around. Security achieved! The only problem was that during the first hundred years of the wall's existence, China was invaded three times. Was the wall a failure? Not really -- for not once did the barbaric hordes climb over the wall, break it down, or go around it. How then did they get into China? The answer lies in human nature. They simply bribed the gatekeeper and then marched right in through a gate. The fatal flaw in the Chinese defense was placing too much reliance on a wall and not putting enough effort into building character into the gatekeepers." --Illustrations for Biblical Preaching, Edited by Michael P. Green

God desires to make us pure by instilling His wisdom into our value systems. "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/her" (James 1:5).

Love, Jerry & Dotse