Theme: James 3

Wisdom:  Two Choices

“You are the king!  What is wrong, why are you not eating?  Arise, eat and be happy, for I will give you the plot of land you so desire.  You are the king, no one refuses the will of the king!”
Jezebel devised a wicked plan to acquire the vineyard of Naboth.  In the name of king Ahab, she wrote letters to the elders and nobles living in the city with Naboth.  They were to proclaim a fast and seat Naboth at the head of the people.  Two evil men were to testify against him declaring, he had cursed God and the king.  It happened just as Jezebel had planned; the people stoned Naboth upon hearing the false testimony of two witnesses.

Evil Jezebel instructed her husband, Ahab, to go take the vineyard because Naboth was dead.  He did.   Elijah was given a word from the LORD concerning Ahab and Jezebel.  Elijah shared with Ahab the curse the LORD would bring upon him.  (taken from I Kings 21)

¹⁴ But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. ¹⁵ This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. ¹⁶ For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing ( James 3:14-16).

Tabitha lived in Joppa, she was a believer.  Doing good and helping poor people was her mission (See Acts 9:36)

¹³ Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom (James 3:13).

Which wisdom will you and I choose?
An earthly wisdom, governed by jealousy and selfish ambition?
A wisdom governed by good behavior and gentleness?


Loving, Merciful Father,
Impart to us a desire to seek and follow Your wisdom, to deny the desires of this world.  To serve those in need as Your hands and feet.  Thank You, Father, for the wisdom Christ modeled as He walked upon this earth.  In His beautiful name, Amen.

Mischelle Oiver, Stephenville