James Chapter 3: Verses 13-16 (NIV)
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbour 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, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
James Chapter 1: Verse 5 (NIV)
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Matthew Chapter 6: Verses 1-3 (NIV -UK)
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honoured by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
What does it mean to be wise? Wisdom and knowledge share many similarities. However, the Bible defines wisdom differently from knowledge. Knowledge involves intelligence, while wisdom is deeper than that. It involves understanding and discernment. I think discernment is a quality that we need to use more and more, and as James counselled in the first chapter of his letter it’s perfectly right to ask for wisdom and discernment from God.
The age of social media has shown that there can be a lack of discernment and wisdom about the information that people choose to publicly share. Often, we see people wanting to show how well they are doing or what they have achieved. This can lead to envy and selfish ambition as James suggests. In my opinion, we need to practice humility a lot more than we do, and behave as Jesus taught His disciples; not letting our left hand know what our right is doing. Whatever we do, first and foremost it should be for God, and under His direction. If it is done with tact and discretion then it is less likely to lead to envy and jealousy and that is what is meant to be truly wise.
Dear Lord,
I know I can be guilty of oversharing information sometimes, even if it is meant with the best of intentions. Help me to be more focused on pleasing You and not being concerned about what other people think. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.