Spiritual Wisdom
Finding God’s wisdom even in the toughest choices
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But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
James 3:17 (ESV)
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Something I’ve struggled with over the years is knowing when a big idea I have is wisdom from God …
… and when it’s not.
I memorized this verse back in my second year of college and it’s helped guide me through many decisions.
First, I love that God’s wisdom is pure & peaceable.
There’s a calm assurance I seem to have whenever I make my decision with confidence that God’s in it. Before then, I’m often tossing back-and-forth. But once the decision is made and I feel that calm assurance, I confidently move ahead.
I also love that this wisdom is open to reason.
That is, it’s not afraid to be challenged.
Because God’s wisdom will always come out ahead on any challenge. This gives me a different confidence to test ideas, run my thoughts by wise mentors, and sometimes write out a classic pros and cons list.
I know the cream will rise to the top.
This wisdom also leads to good fruits.
Whether that be the fruit of the Spirit or kingdom fruits in the souls of people, God’s wisdom produces a harvest.
Finally, God’s wisdom is impartial and genuine.
The right thing to do is always going to be the right thing to do. No matter what.
And it’s genuine in its guidance.
Next time you’re facing a tough decision, consider walking through this verse and seeing what choice lines up with all of these. I bet the decision becomes easy.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2025 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV®Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright© 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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