A Word to the Wise

Dear Mosaic family,

As we continue our study of the Book of James, the head of the Jerusalem church turns his practical focus to wisdom. Of course, everyone wants to be wise, don’t they? After all, Solomon was renowned throughout the known world of his day for his wisdom, a gift the young king requested of God. The Scriptures tell us, “The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this” (1 Kings 3:10). One of Solomon’s best-known proverbs is, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:7). Most of us would consider it a compliment to be called wise. So what is James warning us about when he advises us on wisdom? Would it surprise you that wisdom is not inherently good and how it’s applied makes a difference?

James is all about the “how” when it comes to the Christian life, and he describes the two types of wisdom - where they come from and how they appear to the world. Also, we’ve mentioned that the Book of Proverbs heavily influenced James, and he probably knew about the life of King Solomon, whose wisdom was not enough to keep him on a righteous path. “When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away to follow other gods. He was not wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord his God, as his father David had been” (1 Kings 11:4). I am excited to bring this Word of wisdom to you this Sunday!

Blessings to you,

Ron Miller