The other day I was feeling ashamed because I had been critical in the course of a conversation. The Lord brought to mind several passages that I’ve been thinking about and trying to put into practice.

A lady I used to ride to church with had an admirable trait of knowing something good about everyone. My sisters-in-law have a similar way of naturally thinking of best of everyone. I’d love to be more like that. It’s not a show– saying something nice to rebuke those who aren’t being kind, or being charitable because it is the socially expected action to take. Instead, her speech is kind because she genuinely thinks kind thoughts.

He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor,
But a man of understanding holds his peace (Proverbs 11:12).

If I am wise, I’m not going to despise and criticize my neighbor. As my husband reminded me, despising my neighbor often means I am comparing with myself. The apostle Paul reminds us that comparing among ourselves is not wise (II Corinthians 10:12). Aha! There’s a connection! Furthermore, James shows us that earthly wisdom is self serving.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 3:13-18

I want the godly wisdom James describes here.

What Scripture are you attempting to put into practice this week?

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