Wisdom Wanted!
But Where Does It Come From?

Godly wisdom versus false wisdom is the issue.

James 3:13-17 "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom"

This is GOD's wisdom. Let's continue...

"But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts [where wisdom is stored], do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. [This is information coming from any source other than from the Word of GOD] vs14-15

Verses 16, 17 show the results...

"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."

These are the qualities of attitudes, patterns of behavior, and the results that can be expected when we are hooked up and connected to the correct source of information - and allow THAT information to be fully processed into our individual lives.

We choose life or death!

The good components...must be put into our "spiritual heart"

The bad components...must be eliminated from our thinking

Why are we to put-off bad ways of thinking?

The whole purpose of the teachings of the New Testament is to get believers to let go - to get rid of the old system of thinking [the wrong information source] and to put on the new system of thinking. [which is GOD's Word]

Isn't GOD's wisdom already in us?

It is incorrect to believe that, if I am in Christ, then I automatically have all the wisdom of GOD inherently dwelling in me.

If that were so, then why would James 1:5 read, "If any of you [believers] lacks wisdom, he should ask GOD..."

Why did Paul say in Ephesians 1:17 "I keep asking that...GOD...may give you the spirit of wisdom...:

Why were the brethren instructed in Acts 6:3 to "chose seven men...full of the Spirit and wisdom..."

Paul shows us clearly in 1 Corinthians 2:5 "So that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on GOD's power."

Wisdom is progressive...

Jesus Himself shows that the wisdom of GOD is not automatic...

In Luke 2:40 we are told this, "And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

then in verse 52 "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man."

Pretty interesting, huh?  Not too tough to understand when we know that wisdom is processing "GOD-information..."

See the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree...