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Wisdom Shown by My Conversation, April 17
Growing in Wisdom and Knowledge
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let
him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of
wisdom.
James 3:13
How many sins this consistent conduct would prevent! How many
souls it would turn from crooked paths into paths of righteousness. By a
well-ordered life and godly conversation God’s people are to demonstrate
the power of the great truths which He has given them....
A contrast is drawn between those who think themselves to be wise
and those whom God has gifted with wisdom because they will not use
their powers to hurt or destroy. A man may speak fair words, but unless
his life reveals good works, his wisdom is human. Genuine wisdom
is full of gentleness, mercy, and love. The worldly policy which men
call wisdom is by God called foolishness. Many in the church have
become spiritual bankrupts because they have been satisfied with this
wisdom. They have lost the opportunity to obtain knowledge and to
use knowledge aright, because they have not realized that the efficiency
of Christ is essential to make a successful merchant for God, one who
can trade wisely on his entrusted goods. They have failed to supply
themselves with heavenly merchandise, and the value of their stock in
trade has continually decreased.
It is not enough to have knowledge. We must have the ability to use
knowledge aright. God calls upon us to show a good conversation, free
from all roughness and vanity. Speak no words of vanity, no words of
harsh command; for they will gender strife. Speak instead words that
will give light, knowledge, information, words that will restore and build
up. A man shows that he has true wisdom by using the talent of speech to
produce music in the souls of those who are trying to do their appointed
work and who are in need of encouragement.
* * * * *
When the heart is pure, rich treasures of wisdom will flow forth.
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