Hardships get the best of us. They break us down and tear us apart. In these moments, we find out where our wisdom really comes from. Is it wisdom from God or from the world?

“The wisdom we display is a reflection of our heart condition.”

“But God…”

Let’s define the difference between wisdom from God and wisdom from the world.

Wisdom From the World

Wisdom from the world comes in many different shapes and forms. They include things like:

• Selfishness. When I say this, I mean not only just thinking of yourself, but also doing things to benefit yourself. Maybe that’s making yourself look good by saying how great you did at the game today. Maybe that’s running to the front of the line so you can be the first one on the roller coaster. Whatever it is, this does not come from the Lord. The Bible tells us:

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

Philipians 2:3-4

• Comparison. This is a trap we all know and many (especially me) know it well. We look in the mirror in the morning and think, “Man if I could only be as “tall” as so and so.” (fill in “tall” with whichever characteristic you choose) We compare ourselves to others constantly. It could be with our looks, our talents, or our wealth. Satan convinces us all the time that we are not good enough and God did not create us perfectly. The Bible says something different:

 “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

Genesis 1:27

• Jealousy. This is very much like comparison in the fact that you want what others have. I would like to call jealousy the upgrade to comparison. In comparison you just want what others have. In jealousy, you desire it. You may even become angry or rude to the person whom you are jealous of without even noticing it. The Bible tells us these actions are not acceptable:

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

James 3:16

Wisdom From God

Now, this wisdom is a whole lot different than the wisdom from the world. In fact, it’s the complete opposite. Wisdom from God includes things like:

• Patience. This is something that makes people so enjoyable, yet, it’s so hard to have. Being patient with someone or something is a very hard characteristic to accomplish. Nevertheless, God has more patience than anyone could ever ask for. He waits and waits for you to fall into his arms, even if you don’t, He is still there, waiting for you. That is some patience!

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Ephesians 4:2

• Peace. It’s something everyone needs. Whether you go through anxiety, depression, or even just hard ship, finding peace is something we all long for. Peace is a trait that comes from God. Only He can give a peace that is far beyond all understanding.

Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Romans 15:33

• Forgiveness. It’s a release of harsh feelings toward someone due to something they did. Thankfully, God is a God of forgiveness. After all….

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 6:23

• Compassion. In other words, hurting when others hurt or just being kind to one another. Instead of sitting there ignoring the person who is having a rough day, loving them and showing them that you care. Instead of laughing at the bad grade, hurting with the person. God has such compassion on us. He does not judge when we are down or make fun of us. Instead, He hurts with us.

But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in mercy and truth.

Psalm 86:15

I ask you now, where does your wisdom come from? Answer yourself honestly on this one. Now, is that the wisdom you display? I encourage you to think about these things as you live your life.

See ya next time beautiful people!

Madi