SENSE & SENSIBILITY: The Gaining Thereof

SENSE & SENSIBILITY: The Gaining Thereof

Tuesday, July 19, 2016

James [ESV] 1:5-8 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

  Wisdom is available for one and all. Some receive it as a Holy Spirit gift. (1Cor.12: 1-31) Most do not.

  As with all Holy Spirit gifts, the minority group is nonetheless responsible for developing and manifesting their gift in manner pleasing, honoring and glorifying the Giver and to the edification of those they are in contact with.

  The larger group, those sans Holy Spirit gift of wisdom, which I am, is personally responsible for gaining wisdom. And with gain being no less accountable than those gifted.

  Whether of the have group or wanting crowd, 2Timothy 2:15 conscientious work is involved in obtaining, development, and manifestation.

  So, in 2Timothy 2:1-2 manner, I share that which I have learned:

·         During daily Bible readings keep eye and heart receptive to bits of wisdom that you may easily pass by.

·         Read the wisdom books often. Book of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Son of Solomon. Meditate upon the truth therein.

·         Using e-Sword, Strong’s, Cruden’s, or Young’s concordance, Nave’s, or some other such aid, search out all verses containing “wisdom” or associated words. Read the verses in context and ponder what is being said, who is being addressed, et al.

·         Compile a list of wisdom verses for further reference and review from time to time . . . and for use in witnessing to others.

·         Ask God. I list this lastly due to an experience many years ago. I told an elder I needed and wanted wisdom, and prayed to God for it but felt He wasn’t answering. “Get our Bible and I’ll show you.” I did so. “God’s wisdom is in your hand for one and all. Do the work of getting it.”

·         Practice personal application of wisdom gained.

·         Be ready, willing, and able to share what you have gained.

James [NLT] 1:5-8; 3:13-18 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. …  If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. 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 the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

EBB4