When my kids were toddlers, I began praying that God would grant them wisdom beyond their years. My desire was for them to succeed in every aspect of their lives, and I believed possessing wisdom would be vital to that success becoming reality.
More than two decades have passed, and I still believe the same is true. I also understand more about wisdom and what it looks like. Here are some character qualities that wise men and women exhibit, based on James 3:13-17:
- An understanding of God’s ways
- An honorable lifestyle
- A desire to do good works
- Humility
- Purity
- Peace loving
- Gentleness at all times
- Willingness to yield to others
- Full of mercy
- Sincerity
Who wouldn’t want those characteristics to be true of one’s family members? Imagine the heartache that could be diverted and the harmony that could be enjoyed if everyone possessed these qualities. And then there’s the flip side….
What character qualities do wise men and women not possess?
- Jealousy
- Selfish ambition
- Boasting
- Lying
Interestingly, Scripture says outright that “jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom” (v. 15). It even says “such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.” Dem’s strong words! And they increase my motivation to pray for my family—that they’ll run from any hint of those behaviors and attitudes and pursue godly wisdom instead.
How about you? What insights do you have about wisdom? How can you turn these thoughts about wisdom into prayers for your kids and grandkids?
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