Day 2 – Qualities of Godly Counsel
(James 3:13-18)
Wisdom is the ability to know what is true or right coupled with the precise judgement as to what needs to be done. Wisdom is indispensable for living a successful life. Lack of wisdom results in a life full of disasters and failures. Someone rightly stated that every problem you will have in life is a wisdom problem. Therefore, you need wisdom to navigate and solve the puzzles of life and that is why it is important to get godly wise counsel when making decisions.
Human and godly wisdom
Today’s bible reading contrasts two forms of wisdom – human and godly wisdom. Human wisdom is described as being earthly focussed, unspiritual, and devilish in origin. It is characterised by bitter jealousy, rivalry and full of selfish ambition. It produces confusion, contention, unrest, disharmony, and rebellion. The Bible’s counsel is that we should not give or be guided by such wisdom.
Seven qualities of godly wisdom
Here are the seven qualities of godly wisdom, which we are to seek after and be guided by:
- Pure: Godly wisdom is undefiled and untainted by evil motives.
- Peaceable: It is peace-loving and intent on avoiding strife. It is not argumentative or hostile.
- Gentle: Godly wisdom is courteous, considerate, polite, kind, and not rough or violent.
- Godly wisdom is willing to yield to reason. It does not insist on one’s ways.
- It is also full of mercy, compassion, and good fruits.
- Impartial: Godly wisdom is whole-hearted and straightforward without favouritism.
- Without hypocrisy: Godly wisdom is unfeigned, freed from doubts, wavering and insincerity.
Giving godly counsel
Humility is the proper attribute of true wisdom. The product of godly wisdom is a harvest of righteousness that brings glory to God. When you receive or give advice or guidance, be sure to measure it against these seven qualities of true wisdom.
“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“
James 3:17
