Wisdom From Above or Below

…wisdom that comes from heaven is…pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.

James 3:17 

During a single eleven-month period, all four of my children officially qualified as teenagers. I entered that season cautiously and with a commitment to seek God’s wisdom for navigating their energy, emotions, and pushing-the-boundary behaviors.

When I prayed, sought Biblical truth, and godly council, I found wisdom that directed me toward peace-loving, considerate, and merciful actions. Scripture calls that “wisdom that comes from heaven” (James 3:17a).

James also identifies another source of wisdom, “wisdom that “does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual…” (James 3:15). Such wisdom results in bitter envy and selfish ambition that creates disorder. The guidance that my narcissistic spouse interjected during those emotionally volatile teenage years often created a toxic undercurrent. However, I failed to intervene when I did not agree with his parenting style. I regret not addressing my concerns more often.

Those young people now have teenagers of their own. Fortunately, they have learned how to seek wisdom from above, God’s wisdom, and to trust their intuition for addressing their own parenting challenges.

My increased confidence in identifying wisdom that leads to peace-loving, considerate, and impartial results helps me support them in seeking God’s wisdom for the life God has for them and their own children.

Father, thank You that I can access wise council through Your Word and through prayer. Sensitize my heart to discern the source of thoughts, plans, and emotions that pass through my mind each day. May I always discern Your voice and Your leading for my good and Your glory. In the name of the source of all wisdom, Jesus, I pray, amen.

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