Today's Verse: James 3:13

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
— James 3:13
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Thoughts on Today's Verse...

James promised that if we ask for wisdom in faith, God will grant it to us (James 1:5). This kind of wisdom, God-granted wisdom, reveals itself through a loving, humble lifestyle. In worldly cultures, someone who is smart can easily justify acting arrogantly. In the Lord's eyes, however, smart but arrogant people are worse than those who are silly and foolish. The pridefully intelligent people of our world are woefully ignorant if they are arrogant. True godly wisdom is not about flaunting knowledge, but about living a "good life" characterized by good deeds done with humility. Which more closely resembles you in your walk with Jesus: Wisdom expressed through good deeds and a humble lifestyle, or an arrogant intelligence expressed in deeds and words of superiority and arrogance?

My Prayer...

Loving Shepherd, I know you have always been a wise and loving Father to me. Help me share the care you have lavished on me with the person who needs it most, in my circle of influence, today. Please give me the wisdom to recognize each opportunity and respond with deeds and words shared with them in humility. Please protect me from arrogance and feelings of superiority and privilege. Please humble me gently in the ways that forge me into a more useful tool in your hands. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

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Illustration

Illustration of James 3:13 — Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

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About This Devotional

Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

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