Two kinds of wisdom

The ‘sophisticated’ man on TV is quite clever in his use of words. He is adept at sarcasm, cutting those people with whom he disagrees with slashing phrases. Double entendre is his forte, able to be risqué without actually saying the words. Many think he is very wise because of his ability to be a critic. Just in case you think I am talking about just one person on the right or left of the political spectrum, think again. The pseudo-sophisticates are everywhere!

Disciple, it would be a tragedy if you and I adopted that kind of ‘wisdom’ as our model. The Bible says that the truly wise person is not a divisive critic of others. The real sophisticate is the person who builds consensus, uniting people in pursuit of good. Take a look. "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. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 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." (James 3:13-17, NIV)

Jesus urged us to another quality of the truly wise- plain, simple speech. "Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37, NIV)

In a world where words purported to be ‘wise’ fill pages of newsprint, clutter the radio waves, and spill out of 24/7 cable news channels I pray that we who are filled with the Holy Spirit of God will choose to live in ways that reveal the true wisdom of God. If you’re tempted to be a critic or to indulge in cruel sarcasm today, think twice. Pray for a transformation of heart and mind that will then be revealed in your words.

The word from the Word that I use to close this thought is a familiar one. I want to quote The Message paraphrase of Scripture. I pray that the truth will be your guide, today and always.
"How well God must like you—
you don’t hang out at Sin Saloon,
you don’t slink along Dead-End Road,
you don’t go to Smart-Mouth College.
Instead you thrill to God’s Word,
you chew on Scripture day and night.
You’re a tree replanted in Eden,
bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf,
always in blossom. "
(Psalm 1:1-3, The Message)

_______________

Heavenly Father, make my mind new by the Truth of Your Word.
Let Your wisdom, your eternal perspective, form my thoughts.
My world is filled with pseudo-sophisticates who mock the good,
the kind, the loving, the gentle, and the pure.
They pour contempt on things godly and divide people from each other.

Make me different, Spirit of God, I earnestly pray.
Let my words heal, build, and encourage always.
Help me to be like Jesus, of whom it was prophesied;
"He won’t brush aside the bruised and the hurt and
he won’t disregard the small and insignificant,
but he’ll steadily and firmly set things right. " (Isaiah 42:3, The Message)
In His holy Name, I pray these things.

Amen.