Do you wonder what biblical wisdom is and how it differs from worldly wisdom? We have heard that wisdom comes with age and many years of experience. Does it mean Christianity follows the same script as our worldly or cultural understanding of wisdom? While there is wisdom that comes with age and experience, one does not have to learn the art of life the hard way, as this comes with pain and regretful memories. God is open to giving us wisdom if we call and ask him for it (James 1:5). God’s wisdom is available to everyone. Rather than learning through painful life experiences, God calls us to make the right decision from the outset, enabling us to enjoy the abundant life he intended.
What is Biblical Wisdom?
Biblical wisdom, also called heavenly wisdom, is characterized by the ability to make sober judgments based on the knowledge of God, understanding his expectations toward us, and biblical discernment in all matters of life. It involves moral and spiritual dimensions that align with God’s will and purpose. The search for wisdom begins with the fear of God (Proverbs 1:7; Psalm 111:10). Scripture defines the fear of God as a hatred of evil (Proverbs 8:13). This is crucial since wisdom involves the correct application of knowledge. If we hate what God hates, we join him in advancing his will by doing what he loves. Biblical wisdom aligns with God’s eternal perspective and transcends human understanding.
Characteristics of Heavenly Wisdom
The source of heavenly wisdom is God. Since the source of spiritual wisdom is God, it is therefore pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere (James 3:17).
- Pure: This means that spiritual wisdom is incorruptible and free from any form of defilement, whether morally, spiritually, or physically. As we apply Godly wisdom, our thought patterns, intents of the heart, and behavior/actions reflect a life wholly set apart for God.
- Peace-loving: As we relate according to heavenly wisdom, we must exhibit a character that promotes unity rather than division among individuals and peace, where conflict arises.
- Considerate: This implies an attribute that is neither harsh nor overly strict, but rather one that exercises patience and moderation in dealing with others. Sometimes, one has the upper hand in matters and can be justified in acting unreasonably; however, according to spiritual wisdom, one must choose gentleness over impatience.
- Submissive: The world is highly competitive, and even in arguments, some people engage with fixed minds and are unwilling to listen. No one wants to be defeated. Godly wisdom encourages a willingness to yield and be persuaded on matters rather than being closed-minded.
- Full of mercy and good fruit: Mercy refers to being compassionate to others, especially those in distress, and when it is within one’s power to hurt or punish. Mercy refers not only to the feeling of compassion but also to the action that arises from it.
- Impartial: Spiritual wisdom is steady, consistent, unbiased, and undivided. It is committed to the welfare of everyone without being swayed by personal bias and external influence.
- Sincere: Spiritual wisdom is with no pretense or deceitfulness. Its emphasis is on authenticity in the Christian application of wisdom. We are called as Christians to relate with integrity and truthfulness.
What is Worldly Wisdom?
Worldly wisdom is based on human reasoning and intellectual abilities rather than the revelation of God in Scripture. Unfortunately, relying on our understanding may fail us, as we are fallible human beings. Earthly wisdom appeals to our emotions and is less concerned with divine expectations, especially when God’s expectations conflict with what the flesh desires. Worldly wisdom could lead to fatalistic or humanistic worldviews. Fatalists approach life from the view that everything has been decided on; hence, there is no need for one to do anything. Whatever will be, will be; why bother? Humanists, on the other hand, claim to be the determinants of their destiny and thus ignore any concept of a Divine being that rules the earth. Therefore, worldly wisdom focuses on self-centredness and is defined by worldly values that are often contrary to biblical principles.
Characteristics of Worldly Wisdom
We shall focus on the description of worldly wisdom as seen in James 3:14-16. May these brief explanations spur us to search our hearts to see if we have embraced any form of worldly wisdom and, hence, shun it.
- Bitter jealousy: This refers to the feeling or attitude that is harsh, resentful, or difficult to endure or overcome, hence prompting you to treat others in an ungodly manner. People become so envious of others that they devise ways to harm or undermine them. Our passion or deep feelings are misdirected, focusing on the self and ignoring God’s will due to bitter jealousy.
- Motivated by selfish ambition (James 3:14). Worldly wisdom disrupts communities rather than enhancing unity. Humans are used in this context as doormats, where one pursues their goals at the expense of others’ welfare.
- It is earthly: This means that it is temporary, limited, and very inferior if it is to be compared to the heavenly wisdom. Heavenly wisdom is appreciated both on earth and in heaven, while worldly wisdom only matters on the earth and has no eternal value.
- It is unspiritual: It is motivated and driven by human desires and instincts rather than the Holy Spirit. Worldly wisdom centers on the natural aspects of human life.
- It is demonic: Although we may call it worldly wisdom, as though it is devoid of any spiritual influence, some forms of worldly wisdom actually have spiritual influences; in this case, the influence is from the demonic realm. This means that such wisdom is contrary to God’s nature, and its description has qualities associated with the demonic world.
- Its ultimate goal is disorder and evil (James 3:16): The ultimate goal of worldly wisdom is chaos in our spiritual or moral life, both at the personal and communal levels. Society cannot function as God intended it to operate if it leans more towards worldly wisdom. Worthless notions thrive in an environment where biblical wisdom is scarce.
Having examined the differences between worldly and biblical wisdom, albeit inexhaustively, it is evident that no one can operate in a vacuum. We are always exhibiting one of the two in our daily lives. Unfortunately, many of us prefer to pursue earthly treasures and overlook heavenly blessings. There is a common assumption among many people that living life from God’s perspective entails an obsolete and joyless existence, but the opposite is true. One can enjoy both earthly and heavenly blessings while embracing biblical wisdom. Spiritual wisdom will also benefit both the individual and the community at large. May we strive to point the world to the kind of wisdom it really needs: biblical wisdom.
