So how do we know when we are walking in the wisdom of God?
The apostle James makes it clear:
“If you have bitter jealousy and selfishness in your hearts, do not boast and tell lies against the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and not hypocritical.” James 3:14-17 (NET)
In other words, so long as we are preoccupied with our own self-centered interests and desires we can be sure of this: we are no where near functioning in the wisdom of God.
But “the wisdom from above is first pure….” Keep in mind that what the Bible means by the word pure is having a singularity of motive behind everything we do or say. Or to put it another way, it is the opposite of being manipulative, of leading others to hear one thing while also having a secondary interest in play. And while that is so, the truth is that we are still trying to be in charge of what’s going on.
When we are receiving God's wisdom, on the other hand, it makes and keep us pure. We know he’s in charge so we are free to be true to what’s true regardless of where it takes us or what comes of it.
