Day 2126 – James – Wisdom is Faith in Action 8 – Wise, Unwise, and Otherwise – Daily Wisdom

Welcome to Day 2126 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom James – Wisdom is Faith in Action 8 – Wise, Unwise, and Otherwise – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 10/24/2021 James: Wisdom is Faith In Action – Wise, Unwise, and Otherwise We are continuing our series today on the Proverbs of the New Testament, better known as the letter of James.  Last week we focused on “Control Your Tongue” or “zip your lips” in today’s vernacular. So much knowledge today is increasing exponentially, but it seems wisdom is sorely lacking.  So today, we will look at persons who are Wise, Unwise, and Otherwise.  So join me on page 1884 in the pew bibles as I read the Scripture for today. I would recommend keeping this passage open as we go throughout the message today: James 3:13-18 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. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.   As most of you know, I consider myself quite a lumberjack with my huge chainsaw.  An old proverb says, “A tree is best measured when it’s down.” The actual size and quality of a tree’s lumber can best be determined after the tree has been cut down. So, accurately measuring a person’s accomplishments can also be seen at the end of their life. This proverb is especially true of the life of Solomon, son of David. During Solomon’s reign over Israel, he thrived as an author, diplomat, poet, politician, philanthropist, architect, and engineer. At his apex, Solomon was a man unparalleled by any other.   How was Solomon able to accomplish so much during his lifetime? Second, Chronicles 1 provides the answer. When Solomon inherited the kingdom from his father, David, God appeared to him in a vision in 2 Chronicles 1:7. That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” Can you imagine that offer? What would you ask for if the Lord of heaven and earth offered anything you asked?   Solomon reveals his true character when he answers in 2 Chronicles 1:10, “Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?”  In essence, he said, “I’ve inherited an overwhelming task! More than anything else, I need wisdom! I need practical insight into the subtleties of life so I can govern Your people well.  I ask and nothing more.” Now that’s a response of humility! With open hands, he turned to God to give him what he needed to accomplish what he needed to do.   About a thousand years after Solomon asked for wisdom from God to accomplish his calling, another descendent of David named James wrote 1:5, If you need wisdom, ask...