Day 58 — Wisdom That Makes Peace

Day 58 · Growing in Holiness, Love, and Wisdom · James 3:13-18 (NET2)

James tests wisdom by its fruit. Bitter envy and selfish ambition can hide behind confident words, but wisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, and merciful. Being teachable is not weakness. It shows that we want truth and another’s good more than winning. God’s wisdom reshapes both what we say and the spirit in which we say it.

Request

Father, give me wisdom that is humble, truthful, and peaceable. Amen.

Read

James 3:13-18

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct he should show his works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings. ¹⁴ But if you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth. ¹⁵ Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, demonic. ¹⁶ For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice. ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical. ¹⁸ And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace.

Scripture: NET Bible, Second Edition (NET2).

Reflect

1. What distinguishes earthly wisdom from wisdom from above?
2. Where is the desire to win making you less willing to listen?

Restate

Describe wise conduct in a disagreement you currently face.

Respond

Let the passage guide your prayer. Use these prompts in your own words:

• Praise: Praise God for pure and peaceable wisdom.
• Thanksgiving: Thank him for patient correction.
• Confession: Confess envy or selfish ambition.
• Intercession: Pray for people trying to resolve a conflict.
• Petition: Ask for gentleness and a willingness to listen.

Carry it into today: In one disagreement, listen carefully before offering your response.