Heavenly Wisdom – Part 2
By contrast, man’s wisdom does not come from above. It is earthly (epigeios), sensual (psychikos), and demonic (daimoniodes). It has concourse with what is worldly, fleshly, and satanic. Its goal is to divide and conquer by any means, to titillate, gratify, and surfeit those self-seeking desires. It bubbles up from one’s concupiscence, the root of which (Sanskrit, kup) means to be in active motion, always changing, never the same. It feverishly pursues whatever its momentary whim dictates without thought of consequence. It is unbridled, passionate, and without thought. It is envious, constantly comparing one’s lack with others’ perceived abundance and never being content.
Second, heavenly wisdom is informed by God’s character. It is pure (hagnos). The word shares the root for holy (hagios). Heavenly wisdom is not motivated by the carnal. It is spiritual, sanctified, and devoted. It is also peaceable (eirenike). It builds relationships instead of tearing them down. It is gentle (epieikes), moderate, and patient. It is easy to be entreated (eupeithes), compliant, helpful, and ready to give. It is full of mercy (eleous), kind, gracious. It is full of good fruits (karpos), healthy and nutritious. It is without partiality (adiakritos), does not pre-judge people or situations, but waits to hear the whole matter. It is without hypocrisy (anupokritos), singular in motive and goodwill toward others. These are all attributes of God, so it should not surprise us that heavenly wisdom is godly. This wisdom counts “all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:8), is “content with such things as [it] has” (Hebrews 13:4), and looks out for the interest of others (Philippians 2:4).
God bless you and I love you.
Kevin Cauley