WISDOM FROM ABOVE

PROF. BEN ONYEUKWU (REV)

NCE(Eng.) ND/HD (Journalism); BA (Hons) MA, PhD.

Call: +2348037346939  E-mail: profesorbenonyeukwu@yahoo.com

WISDOM FROM ABOVE

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self seeking in your heart, do not boast and lie not against the truth” (James 3:13-17).

INTRODUCTION

            Simply put, wisdom is the ability that makes for the judicious application of knowledge and life’s experiences as situations demand. Every human being, no matter how foolish, has a measure of it.  However, those who are bountifully endowed with this blessing are honourably referred to as men and women of wisdom.  Furthermore, wisdom is essential in the management of the affairs of this life.  The lack of it (not having enough wisdom), will undoubtedly lead to unpleasant situations. Worst still, is the application of human vices in the name of wisdom, which in turn breeds the social problems that the human society is yet to overcome. Based on the foregoing, the writer expresses that;

WISDOM FROM ABOVE DISPLAYS

VIRTUES AND NOT HUMAN VICES

            The concept of wisdom in the world of today is very much in favour of human vices borne out of deception. Thus, tricksterism becomes  the hub of wisdom in some quarters.  However, the Bible displays a concrete displeasure against such a concepts of wisdom, and dispels it as earthly, sensual and devilish. The truth of the matter is that         wisdom from above displays;

(i)            honesty against double – dealing

(ii)          probity against fraud;

(iii)         accountability against distortion;

(iv)         sincerity against falsehood, etc.

Nowadays, it is obvious that when people engage in dishonest tricks as cited above, they claim they are applying wisdom.  On the contrary, God’s word refutes such claims with the following lines, “who is a wise man … among you? Let him show out of good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But, if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. Such wisdom does not come from above”… (verses 13-15).

WISDOM FROM ABOVE IS SUBSTANTIALLY PURE

      By associating the wisdom from above, with “purity”, the Bible portrays the concept of transparency.  It enumerates that such wisdom is first of all pure’ then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere, (verse 17). This implies that people who possess the wisdom from above are not;

(i)            dubious, but up-right

(ii)          violent, but peace – loving

(iii)         harsh, but full of mercy

(iv)         fraudulent, but impartial, etc.

From the look of things in Nigeria and the world at large, it appears the wisdom under review is in short supply or sidelined. Whatever is the case, for the society to move forward, people with the gifts of God’s wisdom and virtues must be given the chance to manage the affairs of the people.

WISDOM FROM ABOVE IS EARNED BY PRAYER

AND NOT BY AGE OR EDUCATION

            The simple fact about every gift that comes from the Lord is that they come by dint of sincere and fervent prayers.  Specifically, the Bible holds – out an invitation to those who may wish to pray for wisdom, James 1:5). Well noted also, the age of Methuselah could not give him the wisdom of Solomon, as the royal education of Solomon could not do the same.  But, his prayer in (2 Chr. 1;7-12) did. This demonstrates the willingness of God to give the gift of wisdom to anyone who earnestly prayers for it.  Therefore in keeping with the principle that brought the gift to King Solomon, those who wish to request for wisdom from above must ensure that they do not have;

(i)            interest in the death of anyone they envisage as enemy;

(ii)          elements of greed for wealth and riches;

(iii)         wrong motives for the gift;  

(iv)         but, must have a firm decision to use the gift for the service  of God and humanity, etc.

In conclusion, let me bring to focus the saying of Mahatma Gandhi, “it is unwise to be too sure of one’s own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err”. This great mind reminds us that those who repose absolute trust on human wisdom and might are bound to fail. But, those who rely on the wisdom that comes from above will always find solution to their problems. COUNT ON DIVINE WISDOM TODAY