Wisdom A, B, and C
Our interstate road system gets a lot of mileage (pun intended) when a single Exit number is tagged with alpha characters to create as many as 4 different exits: A, B, C, and D. It can get confusing when the exits don’t appear in alphabetical order, or when the order is backwards. But this labeling allows for going multiple directions and destinations at the same mile-marker.
It might be an odd analogy, but wisdom is a little like that. James, half-brother of Jesus, identified two forms of wisdom that I will label A and B, while Paul speaks eloquently of what I will call Wisdom C. We don’t often take the time to see that wisdom can go in different directions with entirely different destinations. Without knowing this, we can inadvertently show up at the wrong place.
Fortunately, James and Paul give us great descriptions so that we can be aware. Wisdom A is from heaven and is evidenced by good deeds done in humility (James 3:13). The supporting detail in verse 17 says that it is, “first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” This beautiful list requires intentionality and supernatural power for most of us to put into practice. On the other hand, Wisdom B “does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil.” (v. 15) It is characterized by bitter envy and selfish ambition, “there you will find disorder and every evil practice.” (v. 16) Most of us would do well to pause here in the Lord’s conviction to repent and receive forgiveness. Paul exposes Wisdom C in saying, “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” (1 Corinthians 3:19) King Solomon, renowned for his wisdom, warned in Proverbs 3:7, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.“
Just as the tags on a single Exit number can be confusing, so it goes with Wisdom A, B, and C which correspond to routes that are of heaven, of the devil, and of the world. In actuality, the three routes end in only two destinations. (Wisdom B and C both wind up in the enemy’s territory.) It may be discouraging that we seemingly have at least two ways to get this wrong, and only one very challenging way to get it right. I tend to believe this is purposeful on God’s part, not to embarrass us with our proclivity to sin, but to reinforce the truth that He is the original GPS Navigator (substitute “God” for “Global”). Undoubtedly, trusting in His guidance to do the more difficult but righteous thing is often learned through our mistakes.
I have matriculated through this lesson to the degree that my current desire is to be in alignment with God on Route Wisdom A. However, from time to time, I experience road or car trouble. Submitting to the speed limit of WAIT is one of those. Then there are times that trying to carry nine weighty fruit of the spirit seems to result in hitting every bump and pothole. This is not to mention that if I am going to be sincere, I can no longer fake it until I make it.
Fortunately, our Lord is the God for road-side assistance, as He is Wisdom personified. “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” (2 Timothy 1:9) God’s provision means we never have to be fooled by wisdom choices. Jesus is simply the Way.