Is there someone(s) in your life who could benefit from your wisdom? But the more you offer advice, the less they listen? Things keep getting worse for them and it is stressing you out to see what is happening? The Bible has answers for this conundrum.
Sometimes the approach to the situation may need adjusting. James 3:17 says "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy" (King James Version). If we break this down just a bit, true wisdom has no ulterior motive, seeks to establish peace, focuses on living according to biblical principles, is characterized by a humble and exemplary lifestyle, does not show favoritism, and is not an "act" (is part of the person's character). In other words, if any of us seeks to offer wisdom to someone else, we must first examine ourselves. After that self-examination, then we are better prepared to offer words of wisdom that will be more palatable to the recipient and more likely to produce positive results.
If the person who is in need of wisdom continues to resist sound guidance and is increasingly hostile toward you, another scripture offers a possible answer. "...Neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you" (Matthew 7: 6b King James Version). Wow! That's pretty straightforward, isn't it? Jesus made it clear that even when the wisdom is needed and given in the right way, there will be some who don't want it. And you can find yourself will hurt feelings, etc. if you persist in offering them your pearls of wisdom. Pray for them!
Comments
Post a Comment