Godly Wisdom in a Wicked World

James chapter 1 you can see on the first line.

The title of her message tonight is godly wisdom and a wicked world and beloved II think if we would just stop to contemplate the changes in values in the United States of America over the past five years we would be appalled. It's almost as though were like the proverbial frog in a pot of water and the heat is turned up slowly and it boils to death without even knowing times of changed. I almost want the root of giving you some headlines to show you just be a headlines. How times have changed in this country and I'm afraid they're going to change at a more rapid clip. When things start going downhill. They tend to have the effect of speeding up second Timothy 31 as you can see says but know this, that in the last days perilous times will come and beloved, we need to have biblical wisdom. Wisdom from above to know how to navigate this world in which we live in. The first thing I want us to consider is a definition of wisdom, the definition of wisdom want to give a brief introduction before we get into this first point we noted James 11 through fourth that we read earlier that the context is trials and the need for God-given wisdom not only to bear up under them, but to benefit from them and I want to read a quote from a commentator Albert Barnes that I think sums it up well. He says God always designs to teach us some valuable lessons by affliction. We are in great danger of going wrong.

When we are afflicted of complaining and murmuring evincing a spirit of in submission and of losing the benefits which might be ours if we had submitted to the trial in a proper manner. So in all things we lack wisdom, where shortsighted. We have hearts prone to sin in their grade in important matters pertaining to duty and salvation in which we cannot but feel that we need heavenly guidance, we can just flat out succumbed to the trials we go through unless we have wisdom from above God-given wisdom from above, I want to ask you some questions before we consider the definition of wisdom does your prayer life reflect your daily need for God to give an wisdom is your prayer life reflect the need for God-given wisdom. You tend to request wisdom only when your reasoning and resources don't get the desired result. You tend to request wisdom when your reasoning and resources don't get the desired result.

You understand what true God-given wisdom entails. And in this study we hope to see that wisdom from above includes far more than the ability to use knowledge aright the definition of wisdom the attitude of fearing God and the action of obeying him and departing from evil are clearly and consistently connected to wisdom and were going to see this throughout our studies. Let me read that again the attitude of fearing God and the action of obeying him and departing from evil are clearly and consistently connected the wisdom that will be pointed out several times.

Job 2812 says. But where can wisdom be found and where is the place of understanding. Verse 28 says, and the man he said behold with fear the Lord, that is wisdom in a depart from evil is understanding. In Psalm 111 verse 10 David said the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A good understanding have all those who do his commandments. His praise endures forever.

And finally, Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 1213 and 14 to my favorite verses. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter. Here's the bottom line. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is man's all for God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil to Greek words are used for wisdom in the New Testament. Sophia is insight into the true nature of things you can look at the situation and you can determine what the truth is in that situation for Ignatius is the ability to discern modes of action so only put those together we come up with a practical definition.

Wisdom is God-given ability that enables believers to apply biblical principles accurately and effectively to the issues of life are gone on results. Read that again. What is wisdom. Practically it's a God-given ability that enables believers to apply biblical principles accurately and effectively to the issues of life. For God honoring results in James 15 we see the dispenser of wisdom who is the dispenser wisdom will note verse five.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him who is a recipient of wisdom.

James 12 makes it very clear to us that the pronoun you that we just read in verse five refers to Christians. James calls his readers, my brethren.

Wisdom is given to those believers who ask for from God by faith, he says, let him ask of God are, let him ask of God is in the present active imperative you think what on earth is that it means that we are simply to continually ask God for wisdom and beloved as I point out later when we fail to do that or presumptuous.

We fail to get up in the morning and say something long lines or give me wisdom and I hope it will be able to to flesh that out for you. What does what are we asking for are we asking for wisdom every day to make it through the day. In a way that would glorify God. God gives it abundantly and without finding fault.

Psalm 103, 13 and 14 says as a father pities his children so the Lord pities those who fear him, why he knows our frame, he remembers that we are dust, who is the recipient of wisdom. Believers that the next thing that we need to consider is how do we ask God for wisdom and you see that in James 1628. I read those to you, but let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind for let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord. He is a double minded man unstable in all his ways. The first thing that we look at is James describes those believers who seek wisdom rightly. We as Christians can seek wisdom incorrectly for any number of wrong motives. We can seek wisdom that he describes first of all those who seek it rightly. We ask in faith believing that God will supply as he is promised when we pray according to his will is revealed in his word. If we ask God for wisdom that that goes against the word of God we can be assured that he will not answer us and that secondly, not only do we ask in accordance with his will, but we ask with the desire for his glory. First John 321 and 22 says, beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God and whatever we ask, we receive from him, because we keep his commandments and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. What is that mean to us and we asked for wisdom and our conscience is clear and asking or give me wisdom today to act in a way that would glorify you. Obviously my conscience is clear and asking for that. But if I asked something if I asked for wisdom that is self-serve that will put me ahead. That will get me an advantage. I have no guarantee that that's going to be answered by God and then James then describes believers James and described believers who ask wrongly notice verse 6B because of their doubts there at the mercy of circumstances that are overpowering like a boat, driven and tossed by violent sees if you've ever been in a situation like that. It's frightening. You're absolutely helpless and he saying if you ask doubting you are no better than a boat that's at the mercy of huge waves that will flagellate verse seven there dubious request for wisdom is denied in dubious is the right word, because it means uncertain of the outcome we asked for wisdom but were not really sure if God's going to give it to us and then he says lastly in verse eight there double minded and unstable in all of their ways. I want to read a short paragraph from Puritan preacher Thomas Manton because he sums up these verses well listen what he says unbelieving hypocrites have a double mind. They lack the spirit in the lead by their own affections, and therefore cannot be settled.

Fear, love for the world and ungodly hopes draw them here and there, for they have no certain guide and rule. It is said of the godly man that he will have no fear of bad news. His heart is steadfast trusting in the Lord and he references someone 12 or seven he goes on to say such people walk by assure world of rule and looked assure promises and therefore though their circumstances change their hearts, do not change the ground of their hopes is still the same ungodly men's hearts rise and fall fall weather news in one affairs or doubtful, their hopes are uncertain for their fixed on uncertain objects.

Beloved, when our heart is fixed upon the Savior when our heart is fixed upon biblical principle we have a boy so to speak.

In the sees of life and there's no doubt about it.

Trial is going to come our way. When I was visiting the other day I said basically the same thing to a couple of the folks that I saw a Romans 828 says all things work together for good, all things work together for good, but there are some things in that together that are not pleasant and not pleasant and I've used this illustration before from this pope. And I'm sure if you take the ingredients of the cake mix powdered cake mix, eggs, water, whatever, and I will go any further drug trouble with the girls, but you take the ingredients and you just alter one or two things you're not going to get the desired results are all necessary you can take all ingredients, put on the pan and mix them perfectly put them in the wrong size pan at the right temperature for the right time and you're still not going to get the right result. You've got to have the details correct to get the intended outcome and when we have wisdom from above. We know that our God is sovereign, that he is working all things together for good in our lives because we love it because we are the called according to his purpose.

The next question.

Why should we ask for wisdom will first by asking for wisdom or acknowledging God is the source of wisdom and when we do that were glorifying him as well to my favorite verses. Proverbs 535 and six trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

In all your ways.

There is attitude. Again, in all your ways acknowledge him and he should very light. Direct your paths. Notice attitude and actions by asking for wisdom. Secondly, we acknowledge that we don't have all the answers. We don't have all the answers to life's challenges. Verse seven.

I many people quote Proverbs 3526 Broadway verse seven gives the punch to it. Be not wise in your own eyes, fear the Lord and depart from evil and beloved you see again in the verses that were reading, attitude and actions attitude and actions fear the Lord depart from evil. Fear the Lord and acknowledge him. That is what true biblical wisdom is all about and then thoroughly by asking for wisdom. We acknowledge its value. Proverbs chapter 8 verse 11 says for wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.

We seen the definition of wisdom.

It's a God-given ability than enables believers to apply biblical principle accurately and effectively to the issues of life are gone on the results we seen the dispenser of wisdom is neither than God himself. And like you to turn to James chapter 3 James chapter 3 and there we will see the details of wisdom and we read James chapter 3 verses 13 to 18 earlier but in the message about wisdom. There's no way we can go over what ungodly wisdom looks like were focusing tonight just ungodly wisdom from above and we want to look at the details of wisdom and beloved, I would recommend that you as we go through this. This is the largest point, the details of wisdom and is found in verse 17 he says, 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.

I've read that I don't how many times and I'm sure you have to, but until I got into the meaning of those English words not looking them up in Webster's but what does the great main when it talks about pure. What does the great main when it talks about peace loving and I think that you're going to find this. I trust you will find this is helpful as it was to me the details of wisdom. Verse 17 again the wisdom that is from above is first pure when we pray for wisdom in general, what are we asking for in detail. I want you to think about that. I've prayed innumerable times. Lord, give me wisdom and I have even prayed prior to doing the study. Lord, give me the wisdom. Thank speak and act in a way that glorifies you. I've done that, but tonight when we unpack this I think you're going to see the detail is very critical and if it's anything like it has been for me one. I have started praying.

James chapter 3 verse 17.

I feel like I have covered the bases.

What I mean by that we pray for wisdom in general. We are asking in detail what we see in verse 17. If we understand it correctly. Let me give you an illustration I do not pray Lord please save my grandchildren. I don't pray that why is too important to me. So I prayed by name starting with the oldest down the young why because it's important to me vitally important to me. I'm not in a gloss over it with a glittering generality. I can't pray for every nephew and every cousin etc. etc. etc. and I will generalize in that area. Lord, please in your grace and mercy expose them to the gospel in your grace and mercy Quicken member life grant him repentant faith. But when it comes to my own and my intimate family. You better believe I'm going to get down to the details. I'm going to pray for them by name. Know why I say that is this you're going to see a difference in this first one. Purity in the next six not show you what that is. After we study this first of detail purity wisdom from above is first pure, it's not numerical when he uses the word first.

But, essentially, and for most prominent and most important, what is basically saying God's folks if were not pure will never be wise at how much impact that's how much emphasis he's putting on this innocent without effect. It refers to spiritual integrity or moral sincerity, and I got this quote from one commentator in a number of languages.

It has the meaning of having a clean heart or to not cover up one's real desires. So what James is telling us is foundational. Fundamentally essentially, we need to pray that God will enable us to be pure enable us to be pure. First John two first John three verses two and three says, beloved, now we are the children of God, and it is not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when he is revealed, we shall be like him fish we shall be see him as he is a note this.

Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.

We read that again and go ahead and go to the next slide.

Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. You may not pray it exactly like I've written it down. I don't always pray this way but one of the things we've got understand when were praying for wisdom. We are saying something to the effect Lord help me to be pure in my thoughts, words and actions. Beloved, the greatest battleground that we have is between our ears. And if we win that the words and actions will take care of themselves. If you really think that through its true when we lose the battle and say something we shouldn't say when we lose the battle and do something we shouldn't do. It's because we've already lost the battle in her mind so daily. We need to pray something along the line Lord help me to be pure in my thoughts, words and actions.

Now this is where this word in the next six or bit different.

The next six aspects of wisdom are not listed in order of importance and should be viewed like a musical piece. When you view a musical piece, the sum total gives a sense of completeness, wisdom from God is all of these things that I'm going to mention these these six resting on a foundation of purity. So if we leave here tonight. One of the things that we must make certain that we do not forget is that we got a pray for purity. We want all of it, but without a foundation of purity. We will not have the rest. The second thing that we find is wisdom from above is peaceable and I'm Italian. Some of these are going to step on your toes and restated mine peaceable person is considered her general which means that he or she is noncombatant he or she is both peace loving and peace promoting and again, attitude and actions. When you think about that a peaceable person is considerate or gentle, which means that he or she is noncombatant he or she is both peace loving and peace promoting. Would that be true of you and I have to ask myself the question.

Is that true of me. Proverbs 317 wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. Matthew 59 Jesus said blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the sons of God. Romans 1218 Paul exhorted the believers at Rome if it's possible if it's possible as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone is heard that old saying it takes two to tango, while in a sense, what were saying is we can disarm an awful lot of things if we just aren't available for conflict if were not available for conflict as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

What might our prayer look like Lord help me to foster peace in others and with others. How could you possibly foster peace in others while you know when I think of that. How do I foster peace in some of the people that I visit the hospital. How do I foster peace with some of the people that I might visit and rest homes or one way is not thinking, I got all the answers, and secondly, letting them know that I'm praying for them sincerely praying for them and and meaning in the people know whether whether you're shooting straight or not. How do you how do you encourage peace in other people and do you pray Lord help me to foster peace in others and with others. The third thing wisdom from above is gentle, what is the word gentleman. It means not to speak evil of anyone nor to be quarrelsome, but to be forbearing not that says a whole lot more to me than the English word, gentle gentle in the Greek means not speak evil of anyone nor to be quarrelsome, but the work be forbearing. John MacArthur states gentle Morse most nearly means a character trait of sweet reasonableness. Such a person will submit all kinds of mistreatment and difficulty with an attitude of kind, courteous patient humility without any thought of hatred or revenge did that hit you.

I mean, that is a mouthful.

Folks gentle, most nearly means a character trait of sweet reasonableness. Such a person will submit all kinds of mistreatment and difficulty with an attitude of kind, courteous patient humility without any thought of hatred or revenge. Paul puts it this way. In Philippians 45 let your gentleness be known to all 90 finishes.

It with this little reminder, the Lord is at hand.

Not, I did not study out that last sentence Lord is at hand.

I'm not sure if he's referring to the fact that the Lord is everywhere or he soon to return. In either case, it's applicable he's saying to us, the Lord is at hand. In all, and I was sharing a challenge with the teens today on wisdom, counterfeit wisdom, that we will not have time to look at tonight by counterfeit wisdom and I made this comment to them.

Yes, wisdom is the ability to use knowledge right you can have the knowledge that working hard because you're being paid is the right thing to do. He is paying me to do a job. So the right thing for me to do is to work hard, you can have the wisdom to put that in practice as though the boss was always watching and what I said at the teens. If you if you work like that you work as though the boss was always watching.

Don't be surprised if you never have to worry about a job and don't be surprised if you are one day a box yourself. See what I'm saying.

What is that got to do with this point. Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is and I say this as reverently as I can. The boss is watching. I say that as reverently as I can.

The judge of all the earth is watching and we need to be aware that what might we pray Lord help me to respond offenses with kindness and enable me to guard my tongue from saying hurtful things to her about others and folks we can be very good at velvet coding some things look at that last part. Help me enable me to guard my tongue from saying hurtful things to worry about others. We need to pray that God will give us gentleness, understanding that that's what it means sweet reasonableness.

Does that describe you. Does that describe me. Then we find, fourthly, wisdom from above is willing to yield, willing to yield, what does that mean it involve submission English standard version of the Bible says open to reason. The Greek scholar A-T Robertson says compliant or approachable compliant or approachable problems, work wise in their own eyes. Proverbs 2612.

You see a man wise in his own eyes. There's more hope for a fool than for him.

What is a characteristic of someone who is wise in his own mind, a smugness and aloofness projecting the image that he knows more than you do, no matter what his or her age could be that is that is the opposite of, willing to yield, that's the opposite of submission problems. Also, when we think too highly of ourselves and our abilities, and you find that almost verbatim in Romans chapter 12 verse three, willing to yield not only involve submission it involve selflessness listen. Albert Barnes on this. He is one who is ready to yield when truth requires him to do it and who is willing to sacrifice his own convenience for the good of others. What a mouthful, willing to yield up what might be best for me for the good of other people. I'm not going to quote first Corinthians 1031 through 33. But you all know the first Corinthians 1031 talks about doing all to the glory of God and as I mentioned our young people this morning. The problem is we don't we don't realize we don't remember we don't keep in mind that you can't do 31 unless you do 32 and 33 and if you've read those verses and I'm sure you have your you know it's talking about giving no offense to any man for the purpose that they might be saved. I don't save any. Obviously, but I can be an instrument in the Redeemer's hand and beloved. That's the bottom line. There were willing to yield what might be to our advantage for the good of the whole. Even more importantly for the salvation of the person and Paul gives this example in first Corinthians 9 verses 2123 he said I had become all things to all men, there you have I become all things to all men hate you understand.

He's not violating Scripture to do that is not becoming an alcoholic to reach alcoholics. Obviously, but he saying I become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Be an instrument in the Redeemer's hand.

Now this I do for the gospel sake I may be partaker of it with you.

My desire is that you be safe like I am, and that's why interact with you the way that I'm interacting with is not changing Scripture is not compromising the truth, but he condescend in ways that could make him more effective instrument in the hands of God. Policy interactions. This is important because all of us need to have this attitude. Paul's interactions with others were redemptive or refining his interactions with other people were redemptive seeking to share the gospel with them or refining.

He was in other words, he was either edifying people or evangelizing people United Way that might sound very simplistic, but when you really think about it that's what it out to be about when we interact with other people. If we know that they're Christians nothing should come out of our mouth that does not build them up or edify them. We certainly shouldn't be making them going the other direction back slide. If we doubt that the person saved or were not certain whether they are than what whatever comes out of her mouth to keep their souls in mind, I always used to try to keep that in mind coaching on the sideline when there's a pressure winning the game in a referee makes a bad call everyone in Alamance County may be on the East Coast knows it was a bad call but you get my drift. I don't know whether that guise is a Christian or not. I'm not gonna let a call and again make him think will if that's what a Christian is.

I want no part of. So what I need to do what you need to do. We need to keep in mind that were willing to yield were compliant were approachable. We have an evangelistic or in edifying frame of mind. How might that look in a prayer Lord, enable me to begin to be open to reason and approachable in times of disagreement in the submit humbly to the truth of the good of all. Lord, enable me to be open to reason and approachable in times of disagreement in the submit humbly to the truth for the good of all, that will not happen unless we choose to make it so. Not gonna happen.

Her flesh is going to be self protective. There's no question number five wisdom from above is full of mercy and good fruit that word full means completely, totally constantly engaged in demonstrating mercy the word mercy means to show concern for someone in serious need, with the implication of sensitivity and compassion. It also means to be quick to forgive an offense. I could not do this, but I saw one of the most miserable sites I've seen in a long time tonight on my way to church. There was obviously the lady was homeless.

She had a backpack on. It was raining. I she was in the middle of exits cars going all around but the thought just hit me knowing what I was preaching about tonight board give me opportunity to be merciful the people that lady needed mercy and end like me. I'm sure you have helped people, you know that that need a helping hand.

Two ways we want to look at this mercy. Proactive mercy is tagged generously and compassionately toward those in need. Reactive mercy is forgiving others not holding offenses against them. It's the head and the tail of what mercy is.

We are either seeking to meet a need or we are willing to forgive offenses that they've done against us.

Matthew five verse seven Jesus said blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Colossians 312, Paul wrote, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on a choice, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering, bearing with one another and forgiving one another. If anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection, even as Christ forgave you, even as Christ forgave you. I never ceased to marvel when I asked God to forgive my sin to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. To cast my sin as far as the east is from the west that he has promised to do that full knowing I'm going to send again that's mind-boggling to me that's mind-boggling to me how many of you, and I put myself in that category would be willing to interact with people who just constantly offend you then asked forgiveness offend and asked forgiveness offend and asked forgiveness after while going to kinda wonder whether they're sincere or not. But Jesus says this we are to be forgiving one another, displaying tender mercies, even as Christ forgave us so much to do in the word good fruits simply mean something of a clearly positive character without fault guileless you really are bringing forth good things.

What might a prayer look like in this Lord enable me to be sensitive to meet the needs of others as I'm able, and to forgive offenses against me as you forgive my offenses against you meeting the needs of other people as were able, willing to forgive offenses against us as the Lord forgives our offenses against him, and then wisdom is without partiality, without partiality, and this is probably one of the most challenging ones for all of us is free from prejudice Nagy nonjudgment what is going on in Washington with the impeachment, whatever it is is almost laughable. If you heard the word prejudice mentioned in connection with what's going on concerning impeachment everybody is prejudice. You do not have a blank slate between your ears now. The key is this override your prejudice and seek truth but is a Republican but is a Democrat override your prejudice and see truth. That's essentially what we need to do here were free from prejudice or nine judge mental MacArthur puts it this way, without partiality denotes a consistent unwavering person who's undivided in this commitment and conviction and does not make unfair distinctions. In other words, he seeks to treat everyone the same way.

Truthfully though he he measures his interactions of other people by the truth of the word of God, without partiality James to verse one James is my brother do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality same chapter by chapter 2 verses eight and nine if you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. You do well, but if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. Beloved partiality causes dissension and disunity. Lord help us to treat others equally help us to do our best as you. You do to treat others equally. What might that look like in a prayer Lord, enable me to refrain from a judge mental spirit into treat all others as I would want to be treated.

We got one more that were going to look at but let me just stop here and ask this question. Does that make your brain go on overload. What we have discussed thus far.

Wisdom is first and foremost, pure in thought, word and deed.

Wisdom is peace loving and peace promoting wisdom is general or sweetly reasonable and not quarrelsome wisdom is willing to yield or be humbly open to reason in approachable wisdom is full of mercy that meets the needs of others forgives the offenses of others in ways that bring about good fruit. Wisdom is without partiality or free from prejudice and nine judge mental is that what I pray for when I said, Lord, give me wisdom today.

That's what we should be praying for and and I don't know about you but like I said when I when I came to understand that it it has had an impact on my prayer life because as I pray for those things.

I see areas that I fall short in in areas that I need to work on and that honors God. When I look at the blind spots, and in the. The blemishes in my life and I said, Lord, give me wisdom to be more gentle or sweetly reasonable.

As I interact with other people that honors him. What is the last detail of wisdom.

Wisdom from above is without hypocrisy and mean genuine or sincere. Lacking pretense or show the term sincere means that there is no falseness or playacting in the person's action as the person is the one space so they are when one's back is turned. While another words are not two-faced as the person is to your face so they are when your back is turn is that true of you. Is that true of me two verses first Peter 122 since you purified your souls in obeying the truth to the spirit in sincere love of the brethren love one another with fervently with a pure heart, without hypocrisy, and folks you say will. How can I do that how can I love each person I come in contact with weather at beacon are out there. It's a decision if the Lord tells us to love our enemies and obviously we can do it. It's not the warm fuzzy relational love that we think of when we think of family.

It is love that wants to do what is best for the other person even to the point of sacrificing on their behalf. And if God commands it. We can do it. Romans 12 Nine and 10 let love be without hypocrisy up for what is evil.

Cling to what is good be kindly affectionate one another with brotherly love and honor giving preference to one another. What might that look like in a prayer Lord, enable me to be genuine consistent and loving and living out my profession of faith.

Help me to be the real thing.

The seal in North Carolina. The great seal of North Carolina has these Latin words SA Quan the Derek and don't be too impressed.

Assess the extent of my Latin, but SA Quan the Derek you know what that means to be rather than the same to be. In other words, be genuine. Don't be hypocritical to be rather than to seem to be theirs a whole lot of the second part in our lives and what God is challenging us to do was be genuine without hypocrisy. Be sincere. Don't be two-faced. The last point is very short. The development display of wisdom how does it come about through prayer instruction from God's word and the rebukes of godly Christian.

First of all, through prayer. First John 514 and 15 now this is the confidence that we have in him. If we ask anything according to his will he hears us and if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we ask of and that beloved would be including the prayer for wisdom. Why because he's promised to give it to us. So how do we get wisdom first of all prayer but then secondly, to rebuke and instruction of the instruction part is a no-brainer, but the but the review part. You might have to think about Proverbs 989. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you review a wise man and he will love you give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser teach a just man, and he will increase and learning and sometimes rebuking a person in love for their good weather for their sole sake. If there are none unsaved person or for their growth is the very best and the most needful thing for us to do so.

The development of wisdom. What is it come through prayer, instruction from the word of God and the rebukes of godly Christian and then the display of wisdom. James 313 who is wise and understanding among you, let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

Psalm 37, 30 and 31 the mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice.

The law of God is in his heart. None of his steps shall slide so how do we display wisdom, we show buyer good conduct that are works being done in meekness of wisdom, but we also show our wisdom with our speech with our speech. The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom. I want to close by stating in the context of surety being the foundation for wisdom from God.

This last verse. First, Jane James 218 is a fitting close to this message.

Notice what he says now the fruit of righteousness is sown. That's an action and peace. That's an attitude by those who make peace. Practical righteousness ever has a harvest of peace. Can I read that again. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace.

That's an action. It's a decision that we make. I am going to be a solar of peace by those who make peace an attitude and an action in these perilous times may God grant us the wisdom to be pure to be peaceloving to be courteous and reasonable to be willing to yield a reason and truth to practice the twin mercies of forgiveness and benevolence to be transparent and consistent in our interactions with others and to be sincerely genuine in our profession of faith. Beloved that is what were praying for when we pray for wisdom.

Let us pray father as we conclude this message on wisdom. We do pray for you to help us to have a greater understanding of what it is from your perspective that were praying for is not just the ability to use knowledge to our advantage.

It's all of these other things. It's the means to which we live out the imputed righteousness of Christ and practical righteousness as we interact with each other. Lord help us to go from this place with a keener desire to pray for wisdom full knowing or praying for. Enable us Lord to be sensitive to the needs of others enable us to be more conscious of opportunities to witness to them to share the gospel with them. Father, we thank you for your word.

We thank you that it is not only inspired and inerrant, but it's all sufficient. It gives us all of the answers to all of the problems that we will face will but trust and obey.

Help us to realize the importance of attitude as well as action as we live in this world and will praise you for it. In Christ name, amen