James 3:13-18 (ESV)
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Welcome and Introduction from Anne Marie
In a day and age where it seems everyone has an ‘opinion’ or advice about the ‘family’, how does one know if the counsel is truly ‘wise counsel’? Plus when we factor in how easily information is available, with just a click of a mouse, it can all be very confusing. Especially for young parents who so desire to ‘do it all right’ and look to those further down the parenting road, who appear to be having a measure of success. How does one measure true wisdom? How do we produce true, lasting fruit? Apparently, the early church was struggling with the same thing, which compelled James to ask, “Who is wise and understanding among you?”
Sadly there are some who want others to think of themselves as ‘wise’ and their words and ideas may even sound biblical or be biblically sound. As one commentator states, "James is addressing the problem of arrogance … his warning calls for self-examination. I can be correct in my doctrine down to the most esoteric details; I can attain a consistency in my orthodoxy which surpasses others'; I can gain a reputation for my thorough grasp of theology and be regarded as a protector of the faith; and my teaching may still be earthly, unspiritual, of the devil, resulting in disorder and every evil practice by stirring up suspicion, slander, distrust and contention within the Christian community.” James provides the properties found in Godly wisdom ‘that is from above’, to aid us in clearly differentiating true heavenly wisdom from the wisdom of the world. The 2014 CMC will focus our attention on one virtue a month from James 3:13-18 that portrays true wisdom so that when we receive what is considered ‘wisdom’, we can have a litmus test to help us discern if this is God’s wisdom or man’s?
In addition we ask ourselves the question James asks of those in a position of providing counsel; am I teaching from humility or from selfish ambition? How does the wisdom we seek or the wisdom we are giving promote the positive adjectives James uses to describe wisdom from God in these six verses?
As a Board we pray that we will all grow in true wisdom so that our minds will not be taken captive by wisdom counterfeits; philosophy and intellectualism, or from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. [Col 2:8] So often these high-sounding philosophies are passed off as wisdom … in many ways we need to be like those in Berea, searching the scripture to make sure we are applying truth, true wisdom, wisdom that will stand the test of time and fire.
23 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; 24 But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 NKJV
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have get understanding.
Ephesians 4:32
In 1 Kings 3:7 Solomon prays, "Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? 10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be."
And so ladies as we get underway with 2014 let us, each one of us, make Solomon's prayer our own. Keeping our eyes fixed on the one who has promised, "He who has begun a good work in me will be faithful to complete it."
Most Commonly Asked Questions of Contact Moms
Q: My heart's desire is to parent with wisdom, but I become so confused by all the information that is available through the internet and in the bookstores. How can I know who to listen to?
A: No matter what the subject or question the best answer is Scripture. How does the information you are hearing/reading compare with what the Bible says? We can always compare what is being said to what the Word of God says. Does it line up with the character of God? If not, it is not wisdom.
Wisdom: According to Webster's 1828 dictionary, wisdom is the right use or exercise of knowledge, the choice of commendable ends and of the best means to accomplish them. [As an acquirement, it is the knowledge and use of what is best, most just, most proper, most conducive to prosperity or happiness. As a faculty of the mind, discerning or judging what is most just, proper and useful.]
Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
MAKING IT PRACTICAL
No better way to start learning what it looks like to be wise than to spend some time in Proverbs! Tackle one chapter each day and you can cover the entire book in a month. Zoom in on the specific verses that mention wisdom and plan to start memorizing. Whether you tackle one verse a week or one verse a month, you can do it!
Wisdom vs. Foolishness
Anne Marie Ezzo and Sharon Carter discuss aspects of a wise woman vs. a foolish woman. Wisdom from the world is completely different from the wisdom of God. How can women be characterized by God’s wisdom? Sharon Carter emphasizes the effect a woman’s behavior has on her family. She goes on to share that Godly women should become characterized by markedly different behavior than that of a non-believer. This message covers numerous scripture passages that are direct guidelines from God to women. Click here to order!