DATE POSTED
Thursday, February 20, 2025, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa at Hunter Road, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read it in your Bible or click James 3:13-18 to read it in the New Century Version (NCV).

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
God will judge us for all unforgiven sin, even if we sinned due to bad worldly advice. I was reminded how God not only gave us the ability to discern godly wisdom vs worldly wisdom, but He laid out the differences clearly in His Word. So why is this important? I’m sure you are very similar to me in that we don’t know everything, so we often find the need to seek help and/or advice from someone else. Advice given will often lead us through challenging situations and towards what we hope to be a new, or better direction. For medical issues, we tend to connect with a medical doctor or expert in a specific field of medicine for their advice and/or prescription for renewed, or improved health. For legal matters we go in search of an attorney to advise us and lead us through. But for the Christian, do we always look to the Chief Advisor, the One who gives wisdom to everyone, and has all knowledge about all things? Ever stop to consider whether the advisors we use are being led of God, or if they are leading us to seek the wisdom of God in our time of frustration and our many needs? In this Scripture, God tells us, through His servant, James, how we might discern godly vs worldly wisdom. Follow the Scripture with me as we look at this list:
—> Godly wisdom – The individual will be living right and doing good things with a gentleness that comes from wisdom. It will be evident that they have sought the wisdom that comes from God, for it is first of all pure, then peaceful, gentle, and easy to please the child of God. This wisdom is always ready to help those who are troubled, and to do good for others. It is always fair and honest. People who work for peace in a peaceful way plant a good crop of right-living.
—> Worldly wisdom – The individual will show a selfish spirit and have bitter jealousy in their hearts. They may display arrogance and lie or brag against the truth. They may create an evil spirit that leads to disorder.
In comparing these two, I believe it is important to take note of what might result in your life when you see a selfish spirit, bitter jealousy and a bragging spirit developing. It’s a good indicator that you may be getting too much of the world inside of you. Friends, let us seek God first, every day, in every way. And in our effort to live under His plan, His teachings, His example, I believe we will begin to see Him bless us with godly wisdom, so that we may help others who are struggling. The world is in desperate need of godly wisdom, and they will only find that in godly individuals seeking to promote God, and not themselves.

PRAYER
We seem to be in a world where it is becoming more and more concerning over who to trust and from whom we should seek advice, Lord Jesus. Although we arm ourselves with what You have told us through Your Word, please help us to be more dependent on Your wisdom and direction every day of our lives. Please be our constant guide and always remind us of the source of all godly wisdom. In Psalm 121 You are clear in stating the source of all godly wisdom, for when the Psalmist looked to the hills with concern over his strength and wisdom, You were clear in reminding Him, and us, that our help comes from the One who created us, and this earth, in the first place. Man has extended his reach to artificial intelligence with hopes of answering all of man’s dilemmas, but we are constantly reminded that there is only one source for our wisdom – the One we call Lord and Master – God Himself. Nothing has changed, You have always been, and will always be, our God – the Designer and Maker of all things. May we remind ourselves of this every day and stay focused on the promises You have laid out in Your Word, and the wisdom You displayed in everything You did, until the day we see You face-to-face and worship You for all eternity at Your feet of mercy. AMEN!

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. One of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin or continue your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals or subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org. Friends, I encourage you to find a church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you make every effort to be a blessing to them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!