Shades of Wisdom III

Today, let us wrap up on shades of wisdom. Over the past couple of weeks, we are drawing a portrait of what it truly means to be wise. We have looked at certain qualities which embodies that- pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and of good fruits. Let us consider this scripture passage as our reference point to draw out some truths

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James‬ ‭3:13-18‬

7. Without partiality

Partiality means being prejudice or bias. People who are like that are not free and fair. They don’t believe in ethics. Wise people are not partial or do partisan politics. Partiality knows no kinfolk, friends, race, politics, prestige & honor. They are interested primarily in justice and fairness. It is so sad that some will only treat rich people preferentially but not the poor. Some will treat the educated with so much class and honor but not the semi literate or illiterate. Some whites treat whites better but not blacks because of color, and some blacks the same. Wise people are not partial. Being free and fair is not the most popular thing to do but it is just right. It will not be a trend or nice to dismiss an office colleague who is your golfing partner and friend because he had embezzled funds but that is the right thing to do. Partial people have weak moral grounds and can easily be bought by money. Say no to impartiality this week

8. Without hypocrisy

Wise people are not hypocrites. What they say in your absence is what they will say to your face! Too many weak leaders do we have today who have resorted to gossiping and backbiting whilst not confronting the issue or the person at hand. It is a sad sight and common occurrence among leaders today. People in general also like to do that in the name of political correctness, in the name of being “wise” but there is nothing wise about gossiping behind someone’s back in the first place. The opposite of hypocrisy is unfeigned or sincere. May we be sincere with our remarks, compliments and comments. Don’t comment on how nice the dress is to the person then two hours later, in the person’s absence, you pick up the phone to talk to your friend & trash the person’s dress. Wise people are sincere! If what you say about your friend in his or her absence can’t be said in his or her presence, it is gossip. It means you are not sincere which is not a quality of wisdom

9. Righteous

Righteousness was a legal term in the Jewish times meaning acquittal or not declared guilty. It also carries the meaning of rightness and integrity. Integrity means your thoughts, speech and actions are in alignment or integrated. That is integrity. In school, I did Math and one of the subjects taught was integer- where you get the word integrity. Basically a number divisible by 2 was considered a whole number (integer). That was one of the many facets of the topic. Integrity also means wholeness. One sign of a man or woman of integrity is he can be trusted. He or she is also reliable! Are we trusted or reliable? Do you follow through on your promise? During election time, one of the buzz words of every politician is integrity… it should not just be a buzz word, but a doing word. Many are interested in talking about integrity than doing integrity

Thank you for coming along this journey with me as we explored on wisdom. I will love to also read your take on what you took home and what resonated with you? May we indeed be people of wisdom

“Wisdom is supreme — so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; if you embrace her, she will honor you. She will place a garland of favor on your head; she will give you a crown of beauty.”” Proverbs‬ ‭4:7-9‬ ‭CSB‬‬

May our lives be exalted, honored, favored and beautiful!

Till I come your way again

Peace & Love