Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never repay evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all people. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.

Romans 12:16-18

Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.

It will be healing to your body

And refreshment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:7-8

Godly wisdom is not the same as smarts.

I think that’s important, because it doesn’t leave room for us to plead ignorance on Spiritual matters. James says that God gives wisdom generously without finding fault (1:5), so having a lack of wisdom not an excuse.

But what does wisdom look like then? Wisdom, at least in part, manifests as the ability to turn from doing evil. Wisdom means respecting God’s teachings and being humble. Wisdom means being peaceable.

So we must measure our wisdom not against our own perspective of what is wise but on God’s parameters for wisdom, and when we find ourselves lacking we must pray for more.

Ethan Kirl