Are you listening to wisdom?

 James 3:13 (ESV): 'Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom……

…….17 the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere'. (James 3:17)

‘Who is wise and understanding?’ 

What a good question to ponder - who do you know that is wise? 

James informs us that wisdom, like faith, is shown by how you live. It is not boastful - showing off what you know and understand, or telling everyone how smart you are. In fact, the wisest people listen, consider and then communicate what they believe is useful to convey. 

The wise, James says, are meek. I find it interesting that he uses this word, as meekness is not a quality that you hear of, that people seek to attain, or that seems valued. So it can be difficult to understand what it is. Meekness includes being; humbly patient, quiet in nature, submissive, forbearing and gentle. Reading these words can seem like being meek is being a pushover, but meekness is about knowing where you are taking your bearings from. Meekness in wisdom is about being patient with others and in life, knowing when to speak and when not to, having internal peace, being submissive to God, keeping on going even when it is hard as well as being mild and kind. No wonder we do not see meekness much, do you know anybody with all of those qualities? 

Those that are wise do not let the events of life rock them, they quietly, gently keep going, maintaining the peace in their hearts through their relationship with God. Not only have the wise learnt a lot through the lessons of life, but they do not shout about it. Wise people listen more than they speak, I have seen this in those that i would consider wise. They are often quiet and considered, and when they do communicate it comes with a weight as the power of their experienced words settles on the ears of those who hear it. Those with understanding wait and consider before they speak - No wonder James has been exhorting us to consider our speech and how much we say - he wants you to become wise! 

‘the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.’

Godly wisdom results in the above qualities. Wisdom is firstly pure - hence it results from relationship with God, if it stems from anywhere else then it could not be truly pure. In its purity, wisdom is unassuming and has no ulterior motive, it is genuine and kind, yet can be so easily overlooked. Wisdom is seen in a life lived out. Those that are wise are known more for their character and conduct than by their knowledge. What they understand is evidenced by how they live their lives and their priorities. If you want to learn from someone who you consider wise - watch them and listen to their insight. 

We are all in contact with people, some of them will be more wise than yourself - do you value them? Do you listen to their counsel and take it onboard or are you someone that just wants to make their own way in the world, disregarding the advice and assistance of others? God has given you wise people in your life for a reason. There are lessons you can learn, mistakes you can avoid and relationships you can build if you are prepared to open your mind and follow the wisdom that is shared with you. Look out for times when someone comes alongside you and offers advice that may be different to how you are living, or that counteracts your own ideas or those of society. Those people may be desiring to share a bit of wisdom they have gained to help you also live a life of gentle submission, peace, sincerity and mercy. The wise notice, and when they speak it is worth listening to. They have no motive other than to assist you in living a more wise and godly life - is that what you want for yourself?