Tag Archives: wisdom

January 18
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“For those who find me find life, and receive favor from the Lord.”  (Proverbs 8: 35, NIV)

These words from the book of Proverbs are inscribed on the museum building of the University of Kansas (my alma mater – ROCK CHALK JAYHAWK!).

I don’t know why Wisdom’s promise is posted on the museum and not, instead, on one of the other prominent buildings on the campus.  Yet, a museum is appropriate in that it is a repository of the tangible history of a people, or of an era.

Is Wisdom evident in our tangible history: The bank account, the appointment calendar, the contact list?  Have you and I chosen wisely the investments we’ve made of our treasure, our time, and in our relationships.

The litmus test in these things is whether our choices would find favor in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.  – Luther

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November 21
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“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.”  (James 3:13, NIV)

Deeds done in humility are particularly fragrant because the person performing the deed is not doing it to draw attention to herself.  Wisely, she sees a higher purpose and a bigger plan in play.

The greatest deeds, by God’s estimation, are performed in obscurity; the left hand unaware of what the right hand has done.  The greatest deeds provide help to the helpless; hope to the hopeless; and empower the disenfranchised.

Everyone — regardless of title or status — can live a life of humble service to others and to God.  Make this your ambition.  With wisdom comes humility.  – Luther

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November 19
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“But the wisdom from above is first of all pure.  It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others.  It is full of mercy and good deeds.  It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.”  (James 3:17, New Living Translation)

In today’s scripture selection, James contrasts earthly wisdom with heavenly wisdom.

Earthly wisdom’s perspective is 70 or 80 years — enough only to cover our time on this earth.  If you think you can outrun to the grave the scales of human justice, what is to prevent you from being contentious, rude, and unyielding in your dealings with others?

On the other hand, heavenly wisdom has an eternal perspective.  It recognizes the reality of spiritual things, and of God’s reckoning.

Resist earth’s Siren call to its ways and to its wisdom.  Other people may scoff at your “naivete,” but only for the short span of their lives.  The approval of God is forever!  – Luther

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